When someone has deeply hurt you, forgiveness can feel almost impossible. You may even wonder, "Do I really need to forgive them?"

Jesus spoke clearly about forgiveness.

Colossians 3:13 says, "Forgiving one another... even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye."

But forgiveness doesn't mean what happened was acceptable. It doesn't mean you must immediately trust that person again or allow them to continue hurting you.

Forgiveness means releasing the offense into God's hands.

Holding onto bitterness can keep yesterday's pain alive today. Forgiveness begins loosening its grip on your heart.

You may need to pray, "God, I don't feel like forgiving them, but help me begin."

And sometimes forgiveness isn't a single moment. It's a decision you make again when painful memories return.

Remember how much grace God has given you. His forgiveness wasn't something you earned—it was given through His incredible love.

Tonight, ask God to help you release what you've been carrying.

You don't have to excuse what happened.

You don't have to forget.

But with God's help, you can forgive—and you can finally begin to be free.