Someone asked me a few days ago to elaborate on godly forgiveness — I believe they said Christian forgiveness — which really boils down to Christlike forgiveness: complete, thorough, heart‑cleansing forgiveness.
Notice that phrase heart‑cleansing; I believe the Spirit of the Lord’s wisdom is speaking there.
We often see the word forgiveness thrown around haphazardly by Christians who claim to forgive, yet the fruit of their character and actions says otherwise. Meanwhile, true, wholehearted, rightly‑intentioned forgiveness shines through a person who carries no resentment or bitterness — someone who chooses truth, obedience, and accountability, not perfection, in their daily walk with God and in their relationship with themselves.
But, it takes time and work.
It takes a thorough examination — of the behavior, the person, and the pain it caused us. And here’s the tricky part, the most difficult part: discerning the motives, the reasons, and the repercussions behind why people do what they do to harm us.
As Christians, we have to filter all of that through the Word of God, and also through our own character, motives, and desire to do what is right — not only before God, but also toward ourselves, and even toward the very people who hurt us.
Because true Christlike love cares about the souls of others, even the downright hurtful ones.
And a truly forgiven and forgiving heart loves passionately — and that love is real, not fabricated.
The Word of God is filled with instruction and leadership on forgiveness, but it’s easier said than done. Many people do a great disservice to themselves — and to Jesus — when they say they forgive, yet continue to keep records, hold onto a hardened and judgmental heart, and wear that ‘holier‑than‑thou’ mask.
It’s a waste of time to pretend, and above all else, God sees the heart.
That said, Proverbs 17:9 says, ‘Whoever forgives an offense seeks love.’ So forgiveness is an act of intention — to love, to receive love, and to give it.
And it’s a process — an intentional process — of chipping away at the ice block a little at a time. Each time we forgive, even the same pattern of offenses from people we care about, we heal and soften, even toward those who hurt us repeatedly. It takes time — not hours, not days, not even weeks. Sometimes it takes months.
But forgiveness does not mean re‑entry every time. With age comes wisdom — if we actually practice wisdom.
We have to learn not to keep letting the same people back in every time we forgive. That’s often a sign of immaturity and naivety. True forgiveness and prayer for those who harm us is enough.
Praying for our enemies — and even for the ones we love who hurt us — is heard by God. And one day, according to His will, those prayers for blessing and repentance may be what ends up saving them.
Just like Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do’ (Luke 23:34). People may intentionally lie or harm, but they often don’t realize the eternal damage they cause. —andwhen you pray and forgive, it may be because you are asking the Lord to save and forgive them.
Meanwhile, religious indoctrination has watered down the truth so much that people believe they can live however they want, hurt whoever they want,and there will be no consequences.
There will be consequences.
And like the Scripture says: ‘Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. A man reaps what he sows’ (Gal 6:7).
Some mistakenly say we forgive for ourselves, not others, but that’s not true. Like Jesus, Christlike forgiveness aims to reach everyone. Through practice and obedience, our hearts grow to love more fully. And that kind of love transforms lives. It shifts atmospheres. It carries spiritual weight when we walk into a room.
That, my brothers and sisters, is the power of the presence of God — not us. So don’t be mistaken or prideful. But praise God for His mercy.
Now, we’re headed to a funeral.
Much love and truth,
Sister Christine Beach 💔✝️❤️