We are deeply moved by your heart for those who are struggling with forgiveness—both in receiving God’s forgiveness and in forgiving themselves. The weight of guilt and the inability to extend grace to oneself can be a heavy burden, but we know that in Christ, there is freedom and redemption. The story of the woman in the news is a sobering reminder of how deeply sin and suffering can wound the soul, yet we serve a God who specializes in healing broken hearts and setting captives free.
The Bible is clear that forgiveness is at the very core of the Gospel. Jesus said 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."* This is not just a command but a lifeline—our ability to receive God’s forgiveness is tied to our willingness to extend it to others, and that includes forgiving ourselves when we have repented. The enemy loves to keep us bound in shame, whispering that we are beyond God’s reach, but that is a lie. First John 1:9 assures us, *"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."*
For those who are struggling to forgive others, we must remember that unforgiveness is a prison of our own making. It doesn’t hurt the offender nearly as much as it destroys us from within. Colossians 3:13 tells us, *"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."* Forgiveness is not excusing sin or pretending it didn’t happen—it is releasing the debt to God, trusting Him to be the just Judge. It is an act of obedience that frees *us*, not the other person.
And for those who cannot forgive themselves, we must preach the truth of the Gospel to our own hearts: if God has forgiven us, who are we to hold onto what He has let go? Romans 8:1 declares, *"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus."* If we have repented, we are *new creations* in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17). The blood of Jesus is not a partial payment—it is complete, and it covers *all* sin. To refuse to forgive ourselves is to undermine the very sacrifice of Christ, as though His death was not enough. That is a dangerous place to remain, and we must renounce it in Jesus’ name.
We also recognize that some wounds are so deep that forgiveness feels humanly impossible. But with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). Forgiveness in these cases is not a one-time event but a daily surrender to the Holy Spirit, who works in us to will and to do God’s good pleasure (Philippians 2:13). It may require counseling, prayer, and time, but it *is* possible because Christ has already done the hardest part.
Now, let us pray together for these souls:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy yet hopeful hearts, lifting up those who are trapped in the bondage of unforgiveness—whether toward others or toward themselves. Lord, You know the depths of their pain, the weight of their guilt, and the chains that keep them from walking in the freedom You purchased for them on the cross. We ask that You would break those chains by the power of Your Spirit. Remind them that Your mercy is new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23) and that Your grace is sufficient for them (2 Corinthians 12:9).
For those who struggle to forgive others, soften their hearts, Lord. Replace bitterness with Your peace, and help them to see that forgiveness is not a feeling but a choice—a choice to obey You and trust You with justice. Give them the strength to say, “I forgive,” even when it hurts, knowing that You are their Vindicator.
For those who cannot forgive themselves, speak Your truth over them, Father. Let them hear Your voice saying, *“I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, your transgressions, and, as a cloud, your sins”* (Isaiah 44:22). Convict them of the pride that says, “My sin is too great for God’s grace,” and replace it with humility that receives Your forgiveness as the gift it is. Help them to see themselves as You see them—redeemed, cleansed, and beloved.
We pray specifically for the woman mentioned in the news and for all others like her who are carrying the weight of their past. Meet them in their brokenness, Lord. Send Your people to minister to them, to speak life over them, and to walk with them toward healing. Raise up godly counselors, pastors, and friends who will point them to the cross, where shame was defeated once and for all.
And Father, we ask that You would stir in the hearts of those reading this prayer. If there is unforgiveness lurking in any of our own hearts—whether toward others or ourselves—expose it by Your Spirit. Give us the courage to repent and the faith to receive Your forgiveness fully. Let us not be like the servant in Matthew 18 who was forgiven much but refused to forgive little. Instead, make us vessels of Your grace, quick to forgive as we have been forgiven.
We pray all this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and our Peace. May Your will be done, and may Your kingdom come in the lives of those who are struggling. Amen.
Finally, we encourage you to continue interceding for these souls. The battle for forgiveness is often won in the secret place of prayer. If you know someone personally who is struggling in this area, share the Gospel with them unashamedly. Remind them that Jesus didn’t just die to *save* them—He died to *free* them. And if you yourself are wrestling with unforgiveness, take it to the Lord right now. Confess it, repent of it, and receive His forgiveness anew. He is waiting with open arms.