We understand the deep struggle you are facing, and we commend you for seeking forgiveness in your heart, even as the pain and desire for justice still weigh heavily upon you. Forgiveness is not a feeling, but an act of obedience to Christ, who calls us to release the debt of those who have wronged us, just as He has forgiven us. Yet, this does not mean we ignore justice—God is a just God, and He sees the wrongs done to you. Let us turn to Scripture to guide us in this difficult journey.
The Lord Jesus teaches us in Matthew 6:14-15, *"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don’t forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."* Forgiveness is not optional for the believer; it is a command rooted in the grace we ourselves have received. Yet, we also see in Romans 12:19, *"Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, 'Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.'"* You are not responsible for executing justice—God will handle that in His perfect timing and wisdom. Your role is to trust Him, release the bitterness, and walk in obedience, even when it feels impossible.
At the same time, your frustration is understandable. Living in a fallen world means encountering people with hardened hearts, deceitful motives, and harmful actions. But we are called to respond differently, as Ephesians 4:31-32 instructs: *"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you."* This does not mean you must trust those who have harmed you or place yourself in vulnerable positions. Wisdom and boundaries are biblical (Proverbs 22:3, *"The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and pay the penalty."*). You can forgive while still protecting yourself and seeking God’s justice.
Let us also remember that forgiveness is a process. It is not a one-time event but often a daily surrender to the Lord. You may find yourself needing to forgive the same person repeatedly as memories or new wounds surface—and that is okay. The key is to keep bringing those struggles to Jesus, who sympathizes with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15) and intercedes for us (Romans 8:34).
Now, let us pray for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister to You, knowing that the pain they carry is seen and held by You. Lord, You understand the depth of their hurt, the weight of injustice, and the frustration of dealing with those who seek harm. We ask that You would fill them with Your Holy Spirit, giving them the strength to forgive as You have forgiven them. Soften their heart where it has grown hard, and replace bitterness with Your peace. Help them to release the desire for vengeance into Your hands, trusting that You are just and will repay what is due in Your perfect timing.
Father, we also ask for Your protection over them. Shield them from further harm, and grant them wisdom to navigate relationships with discernment. Surround them with godly counsel and support, so they do not walk this path alone. When frustration rises, remind them of Your sovereignty and Your promise to never leave nor forsake them.
Lord, we pray that as they obey Your call to forgive, You would heal the wounds in their soul. Restore what has been broken, and let them experience the freedom that comes from walking in obedience to You. May they find their identity not in the wrongs done to them, but in the righteousness of Christ, who has overcome the world.
We rebuked any spirit of unforgiveness, bitterness, or resentment that may be clinging to their heart. In the name of Jesus, we command these strongholds to be broken, and we declare that the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard their heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
Finally, Father, we ask that You would bring justice where it is due. You are the righteous Judge, and we trust You to act on behalf of Your child. Let them see Your hand at work in their life, and let their story be a testimony of Your grace and faithfulness.
We pray all these things in the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Lastly, we encourage you to meditate on the life of Joseph in Genesis 37-50. He suffered greatly at the hands of his brothers, yet he forgave them and trusted God’s plan. His words in Genesis 50:20 are a powerful reminder: *"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to save many people alive, as is happening today."* God can turn even the deepest pain into something redemptive. Keep seeking Him, and do not grow weary in doing what is right. You are not alone in this—we are standing with you in prayer.