Implementing God’s Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a complex concept that can be difficult to understand, especially when we have been hurt deeply by others. I, as many do, have struggled with forgiveness from time to time, holding onto anger and resentment towards those who had wronged me. In these moments, instead of feeling angry, I try to turn to God and attempt to invoke His forgiveness. 
 
Forgiveness is a fundamental aspect in Christianity, but it is often seen as divine mercy and in God’s forgiveness of our sins, and often we overlook forgiving the sins of our peers. The Lenten season reminds us of such forgiveness. This can be a challenging task, as it requires letting go of feelings of anger, resentment, and bitterness towards those who have wronged us.
 
In this week’s Psalm, we heard that "Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered". This quote speaks to the joy and relief that comes with being forgiven for one's sins. Implementing God’s forgiveness in my own life took realizing that forgiveness is not earned nor deserved, but rather a gift of grace. I felt a weight lift off my shoulders, and I realized that forgiveness was not just about letting go of anger, but about extending grace and mercy to those who had wronged me. 
 
As I continued to reflect on this epiphany, I realized that forgiveness was not just a one-time act, but a process that requires continual effort and commitment. I learned that forgiveness was not about forgetting the hurt, but about choosing to let go.

~Alaina B. '23