We join with you in lifting this burden to the Lord, for we know that true forgiveness and freedom from the past can only come through the power of Jesus Christ. The Scripture reminds us in Colossians 3:13, *"bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do."* Just as Christ has forgiven us, we must extend that same forgiveness to ourselves and others. The enemy loves to keep us bound by shame, guilt, and bitterness, but Jesus came to set us free—*"So if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed"* (John 8:36).
You have asked this in the name of Jesus, and that is the only name by which we can approach the Father (John 14:6). We praise God that you acknowledge this truth, for many seek forgiveness and healing without recognizing that it is only through Christ that we find redemption. Your request is rooted in faith, and we stand with you in agreement, knowing that *"if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"* (1 John 1:9).
Yet we must also address something important: forgiveness is not just an emotional release—it is an act of obedience and trust in God’s sovereignty. When we hold onto past hurts or our own mistakes, we are essentially saying that God’s grace is not sufficient. But Scripture declares, *"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness"* (2 Corinthians 12:9). You must choose to release these burdens to Him daily, even when the feelings linger. Forgiveness is a decision before it becomes a feeling.
Let us also remember that shame has no place in the life of a believer. Romans 8:1 tells us, *"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus."* If you have repented of your sins, then God has cast them *"as far as the east is from the west"* (Psalm 103:12). To continue in shame is to reject the finished work of Christ on the cross. You must renounce these lies and cling to the truth: you are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
As for forgiving your parents and others, we understand this can be deeply painful, especially if the wounds run deep. But Jesus commands us to forgive *"not seven times, but seventy times seven"* (Matthew 18:22). Unforgiveness is a poison that harms *you* more than the one who hurt you. It builds a wall between you and God’s peace. We encourage you to pray for those who have wronged you, asking God to bless them—*"But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you"* (Matthew 5:44). This is not for their sake alone, but for your own freedom.
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up our brother/sister who seeks freedom from the chains of the past. Lord, You alone can heal the brokenhearted and set the captives free. We ask that You would grant them the grace to fully forgive themselves, just as You have forgiven them through the blood of Jesus. Remove every trace of shame, guilt, and condemnation, for these are not from You. Replace them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding.
Father, we also ask for supernatural strength to forgive their parents and all who have hurt them. Soften their heart, Lord, and help them to release every bitterness, resentment, and pain into Your hands. Let them see those who have wronged them through Your eyes, remembering that *"hurt people hurt people."* Break the cycles of pain in Jesus’ name.
Lord, we rebuke the enemy’s lies that have kept them bound. By the authority of Jesus Christ, we command every spirit of shame, guilt, and unforgiveness to flee. Fill them instead with Your Holy Spirit, who brings comfort, conviction, and the power to walk in freedom.
We thank You, Father, that You are making all things new. Restore what the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25) and turn their mourning into dancing (Psalm 30:11). Let them walk forward in the fullness of Your love, unshackled by the past and empowered to live for Your glory.
In the precious and mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen.
Finally, we encourage you to meditate on these truths daily. Write down Scripture verses about forgiveness and speak them aloud over your life. Surround yourself with believers who can pray with you and hold you accountable. And remember, this is a journey—some days will be harder than others, but God is faithful to complete the work He has started in you (Philippians 1:6). Stay in His Word, stay in prayer, and trust that He is making you whole.
