Finding Freedom: A Conversation on Forgiveness When It Feels Impossible

Introduction

Many of us struggle with the deep, lingering pain caused by others. The command to forgive can feel like an impossible burden, adding guilt to our hurt. The following is a real conversation between a young lady named Rachel, who carried years of unresolved pain, and Silas, who offered biblical truth and compassionate guidance. We share it with the hope that if you see your own struggle in Rachel's words, you will also find hope in the path to freedom.

Racheal: 

Hello 👋 Good afternoon. I wish to know about forgiveness if you don’t mind. So sorry for inboxing you.

Silas: 

Hi Racheal, good afternoon to you too! 👋 Please, don’t apologize for reaching out—it’s absolutely no trouble at all. I'm happy to talk about forgiveness.

First, it’s so important to know this: if you have put your faith in Jesus Christ, then you are completely forgiven. This means all your sins—past, present, and even future ones—are covered by His grace. Because you are so fully and freely forgiven in Christ, He calls you to extend that same forgiveness to others.

We do this not because the other person apologizes or deserves it, but because Christ unconditionally forgave us first.

Racheal: 

I like asking but you will persevere with me. But then you can forgive someone but the moment you see that person, you immediately remember and most of the times you cry.

Silas: 

Thank you for persevering in this with me, Rachel. That is a very honest and important question. What you're describing is completely normal—the decision to forgive and the emotional memory of the hurt are two different things.

When you see that person and the pain feels too much, bring those immediate feelings to Jesus. You can pray, “Father, in the name of Jesus, this hurt is overwhelming me. Please heal my heart. Help me to truly forgive [person's name] as you have forgiven me.”

This is a process. Each time you do this, you are releasing that hurt to Him and choosing freedom. He will faithfully meet you in that pain and set you free, step by step.

Racheal: 

Surely, forgiveness has been too hard for me for years and sometime I had decided never to forgive. If I die I go to hell. Coz I feel I have been hurt too much.

Silas: 

My dear Racheal, I hear the depth of your pain, and my heart goes out to you. To feel so hurt that hell seems like a better option than forgiveness is a sign of a wound that is incredibly heavy to carry.

You are right, it has been too hard. No one should minimize that. But I need to tell you, with all the love in my heart, that the price of unforgiveness is one you were never meant to pay. Hell is a place of eternal separation from God—a suffering that Jesus, through His own death, desperately wants to save you from.

The beautiful truth is that you don’t have to find the strength to forgive from within yourself. The same grace that saved you is the grace that will empower you to forgive. This isn’t about your power; it’s about His power working in you.

Let’s pray together. We will ask Jesus to do what feels impossible for you. There is freedom on the other side of this prayer.

“Dear Heavenly Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus. You are holy and righteous, and You forgave me when I was lost in my sin. I renounce the lie that I am destined for hell. Today, I choose to forgive everyone who has ever hurt me. I ask You to forgive me for holding onto this unforgiveness. Lord, I cannot do this on my own. I need Your grace. By the power of Jesus Christ, help me to truly forgive, to release this pain to You, and to walk in the freedom You purchased for me. Heal my heart, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Racheal: 

Amen. Thank you so much Silas. I feel a heavy weight lifting off my chest. I will keep looking to Jesus.

Silas: 

Amen, Racheal! The journey of healing continues, but today, you have taken a powerful step of faith. Remember, you are not walking it alone. Christ is with you, and His grace is sufficient. He will finish the beautiful work He has started in you.

A Final Word of Encouragement:

If Racheal’s struggle resonates with you, you are not alone. Unforgiveness is a heavy chain, but it is one that Jesus holds the key to unlock. Remember:

· Forgiveness is a process, not a one-time event.

· Bring your raw emotions to God. He is not afraid of your tears or your anger.

· You forgive by faith and through grace, not by your own willpower.

· Your freedom is worth the fight. Don't give up. Keep taking your hurt back to the cross and choose, moment by moment, to release it. There is peace on the other side.

Silas Oriokot is a spiritual mentor who finds joy in helping others walk in the freedom Christ provides.

For His Glory, 

SILAS ORIOKOT

President, Rising Point for Christ

Email: oriokotsilas.praywithme@yahoo.com

Phone: +256787353534