How to Forgive Others Like Christ

Introduction: Forgiveness Isn’t Easy, But It’s Necessary

We have all been hurt by someone, sometimes deeply. Maybe a friend betrayed your trust, a loved one said something painful, or someone treated you unfairly. The wound lingers, and your heart wrestles with forgiveness.

Yet, the Bible calls us to forgive, not because the person deserves it, but because Christ forgave us first. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting or excusing wrongs. It means freeing your heart from bitterness and allowing God’s peace to fill the space where pain once lived.

Let’s walk together through how to forgive others like Christ, even when it feels impossible.

Remember How Much You Have Been Forgiven

True forgiveness starts by looking at the cross. When Jesus hung on that cross, He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). He offered forgiveness to those who mocked, hurt, and rejected Him.

When we realize the depth of what Jesus has forgiven us for, our mistakes, failures, and sins, it becomes easier to extend that same grace to others. Ephesians 4:32 reminds us, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Forgiveness begins with gratitude. The more you remember God’s mercy toward you, the more your heart softens toward others.

Choose Forgiveness, Even Before You Feel It

Forgiveness is not a feeling. It is a decision. If you wait until you feel ready, you might wait forever. God asks us to forgive by faith, trusting that He will align our emotions later.

Choosing forgiveness does not mean what happened was right. It means you are choosing not to let it control your life anymore. It is saying, “God, I release this person into Your hands.”

When you make that choice, healing begins. The hurt might still be there for a while, but forgiveness sets the process in motion. Every time bitterness creeps back in, remind yourself, “I have already chosen to forgive, just like Christ forgave me.”

Pray for the One Who Hurt You

This might be the hardest step, but it is also the most powerful. Jesus said, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). When you pray for someone who hurt you, you hand them over to God’s care and take the weight off your shoulders.

At first, your prayers might be simple or even hesitant. That is okay. Just start. Pray for their heart, their growth, and for God’s will in their life. Over time, those prayers will begin to change your heart too.

It is hard to hate someone you consistently pray for. Prayer transforms pain into compassion and anger into peace.

Release the Burden to God

Holding on to resentment is like carrying a heavy backpack everywhere you go. It drains your energy and steals your joy. Forgiveness is how you set that backpack down.

Romans 12:19 says, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”

When you release someone to God, you are not saying what they did was right, you are saying you trust God to deal with it justly. That surrender brings freedom. You do not have to carry the pain anymore, God will handle the rest.

Walk in the Freedom of Forgiveness

Forgiveness does not erase your memory, but it changes how you carry it. When you forgive, you allow God to turn your wounds into wisdom and your pain into purpose.

Colossians 3:13 says, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Walking in forgiveness is choosing peace over bitterness. It is waking up each day and deciding to love, even when it is hard. When you forgive, you reflect the very heart of Christ, patient, merciful, and full of grace.

Remember, forgiving someone may not change them, but it will absolutely change you.

Keep Your Heart Soft Through God’s Word

It is easy for resentment to sneak back in, especially if the person who hurt you has not changed. That is why staying rooted in Scripture is so important. God’s Word keeps your heart aligned with His truth.

Meditate on verses like:

• “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)

• “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (Matthew 5:7)

• “Let all bitterness and anger be put away from you.” (Ephesians 4:31)

Each time you feel bitterness rise again, speak these verses out loud. Remind yourself that forgiveness is not a one-time act, it is a daily choice to live in the freedom Christ offers.

Conclusion: Forgive Like Christ and Find Peace

Forgiving others like Christ is one of the most powerful ways to live out your faith. It is not about ignoring pain, but about healing through grace. It is not about pretending everything is fine, but about trusting God to bring justice and restoration in His time.

When you forgive, you release your heart from the prison of anger and open the door for peace. You become more like Jesus, the One who forgave without condition and loved without limit.

If you are struggling to forgive someone today, take it to God. Ask Him for strength, for softness, and for the courage to let go. His grace will meet you where your pain lives, and His love will help you move forward in freedom.