Forgiveness is often discussed, but living out can be challenging. It’s a profoundly personal and spiritual practice that touches the core of our hearts and relationships. It’s a path that invites us to let go of burdens, heal wounds, and foster deeper connections with others and the heart of God. In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches us to say, “Give us today our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, As we have forgiven those who sin against us.” It’s no accident that forgiveness is paired with daily bread. Just as we need sustenance each day, Forgiveness is most effective when it becomes a regular part of our lives. Rather than a one-time event, it’s an ongoing journey of letting go and trusting God to heal what’s broken.

Forgiveness, at its core, is an act of surrender. It’s letting go of the right to get even, the bitterness that keeps us bound, and the pain that can feel impossible to release. It doesn’t excuse the harm done or pretend the pain isn’t real. Instead, forgiveness creates space for God’s healing to take root.

In Matthew 6:9-15, Jesus offers a prayer that touches on our daily needs and relationships:

• Our Father in Heaven, may your name be kept holy.

• May your kingdom come, and may your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

• Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins as we have forgiven those who sin against us.

• And don’t let us yield to temptation but rescue us from the evil one.

Jesus emphasizes that forgiveness is intertwined with our daily needs. He says that just as we rely on God for our physical sustenance, we should also depend on Him for the grace to forgive and be forgiven.

Forgiveness isn’t always easy. Sometimes, it feels like pulling out stubborn weeds that keep reappearing in our garden. Even when we think we’ve let go, old feelings can resurface, reminding us that forgiveness is a process. It’s okay to revisit it as often as needed. This process of continually returning to God, asking for His help to forgive, is where growth happens. Here, healing takes shape, even when the process feels long or repetitive. We must keep working at it, allowing God’s love to heal us over time.

Forgiveness stands out as a powerful testimony to God’s love in a world marked by hurt and division. While it’s a concept we all grapple with, seeing forgiveness in action can inspire and encourage us. Catherine’s story is one such example—a journey that brings the principles of forgiveness to life. Growing up, she faced intense physical and emotional abuse from her father. The pain she endured left deep scars, and for many years, she carried anger and bitterness in her heart.

When a counsellor suggested that she forgive her father, Catherine initially resisted. Forgiving someone who had caused so much harm didn't seem fair. However, she realized that holding onto bitterness was only hurting herself. She began to understand that forgiveness was not about excusing her father’s actions but about freeing herself from the heavy burden she carried.

Catherine took the courageous step of being willing to forgive. She sought to understand her father’s past, learning about his hardships and traumas as a young man. This journey of understanding opened the door to compassion. She saw glimpses of his humanity, like his love for their family dog, and recognized that he, too, had suffered and needed healing.

As she let go of her anger, Catherine experienced a newfound peace. Not only did she heal from the past, but her relationship with God deepened. Although she had previously kept God at a distance, now she felt His love and compassion more profoundly in her life.

Catherine’s journey teaches us that forgiveness is personal and communal. By forgiving, we strengthen our connections with others and open ourselves to God’s grace. It’s a step toward healing that benefits us and those around us.

We might be holding grudges or past hurts in our lives. Forgiveness doesn’t mean that what happened was okay, nor does it require us to forget. It means releasing the pain's hold on us, allowing us to move forward with a lighter heart.

Embracing forgiveness fosters unity and support in our community. It allows us to walk together in discipleship, helping one another grow in faith and love. As Catherine did, sharing our stories encourages others to embark on their healing paths.

Forgiveness is a daily practice, like seeking our daily bread. Whether we forgive others or ourselves, we can ask God to help us let go of bitterness and fill our hearts with compassion.

Here are some steps that others have found helpful on the journey of forgiveness:

1. Being Willing to Forgive: Acknowledging the need to let go of the hurt, even if it’s complicated.

2. Seeking Understanding: To see the situation from the other person’s perspective, recognizing that everyone has struggles.

3. Finding Compassion: Allowing empathy to grow within your heart opens the way to healing.

4. Embracing Healing: Letting forgiveness transform your relationships with others and God.

Forgiveness is a courageous act of love. It’s about freeing ourselves and others from the chains of past hurts. It is an ongoing journey that requires willingness, compassion, and trust in God’s ability to heal. It’s not something we achieve alone, but a partnership with the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to let go and move forward. Whether forgiveness is a small step or a monumental task, God meets us where we are. He gently leads us through the process, bringing freedom and wholeness as we follow Him.

Let’s remember the prayer: “Father, give us today our daily bread, and keep us forgiven by You, forgiving others as well. Help us release our resentment and fill us with love and compassion.”

May we all find the strength to forgive daily, nourishing our souls and strengthening our community—just as Catherine did in her journey toward healing and reconciliation. Together, let’s walk this path of forgiveness, supporting one another and growing in our connection with God and each other. By keeping forgiveness at the forefront of our daily lives, we align ourselves with God’s will and cultivate a community rooted in love and compassion.

For those interested in exploring Catherine’s journey more deeply, her book Everything Is Going to Be Okay offers a heartfelt account of her experiences and insights into the healing power of forgiveness.