1/15/2025

I’ve been thinking a lot about the concept of forgiveness recently, and how that looks for someone who follows Jesus. I think a common misconception in Christian communities is that is that forgiveness equates to “continuing to put up with someone who hurt me because that is what I am called to do”.

Forgiveness is not just important, but CRUCIAL to living a life of peace and according to His will. It is hard, and I will live my entire life working towards this ability. Thankfully, by the strength of Jesus I can and will forgive all who have hurt or wronged me in this life.

However, Jesus did NOT put up with those who continued to wrong Him. He forgave them, but encouraged them to change their hearts. The way to Christ is believing in Him, but also repenting and changing in our ways so we can instead point our actions toward Him.

So, I should forgive those who have hurt me or have wronged me, but I am allowed to set up personal boundaries to prevent the cycle. Often, we are only meant to be in a person’s life for a season, but continued hurt and neglect of a relationship does not have to be the expectation for someone who follows Jesus.

And that should be a blessing for us to know and allow!