• Blog
    • All Posts
    • Write for Salt + Sparrow
    • Contributors
  • Spiritual Growth
    • Personal Testimonies
    • Spiritual Growth Scriptures
  • Salt + Sparrow

  • Devotionals
    • Bible Studies
    • Prayers
  • Christian Lifestyle
    • Motherhood

Salt + Sparrow

Steps to forgiveness
Personal Testimonies

5 Simple Steps to Forgiveness

July 29, 2022

Forgiveness is a hard concept for many to grasp, especially as Christians. We are told to forgive one another, just as how God has forgiven us. Jesus told Peter when he asked how many times he is to forgive his brother, “70 x 7.” 

“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.”

Matthew 18:21-22

For some people, forgiving someone comes easy for them, but for others, they tend to hold grudges, stay mad, and even show hatred towards the person.

Why is it so difficult to show forgiveness towards others? Why can’t we just forgive and forget, like God forgives us of our sins, and remembers them no more?

A Personal Story of Showing Forgiveness

A fair few years ago I was in a relationship with an abusive guy. The things that he did to me, the things that I experienced, shook my old counselor to the core. Although I will not bring up the things that I experienced throughout this relationship, I want to talk to you about how I was able to forgive him. 

Forgiving this person took time. I also had to give myself a lot of time, and grace to forgive myself for staying in this relationship for so long. 

I also had to give myself space from this person, physically, socially (blocking him online, on my phone, not talking to any mutual friends about him, etc.) and mentally (not thinking about him or the things I went through).

This was hard.

But one of the many things I learned throughout these years since leaving him is that God gives us everything we need to heal, move on and find forgiveness in our hearts towards others who have hurt or wronged us. 

bible verse on forgiveness

The Lessons I Learned from Forgiving the One Who Hurt Me

There was something constantly weighing me down and it was the grudges I held, and the hurt I carried in my heart.

I needed to move on from this person, and this relationship, and in order to do that I needed to show forgiveness towards him. This is where I turned to the Bible for help. This wasn’t something that I could do on my own.

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

1 John 1:9

“For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.”

Hebrews 8:12

Like I had said before, if God can forgive us of all of our sins: past, present and future, and remember them no more, then how hard can it be for me to forgive this one person?

Oh boy, was it difficult, but only by the grace of God was I able to overcome such an experience, and come out of it – stronger, happier and more forgiving than ever before. 

There was no longer any need for me to hold these grudges or feel such hatred in my heart towards this person.

God had freed me from this man, and this relationship and had helped me completely heal and be transformed from the inside out. I had my liberty back. I am so happy and better off now. My relationship with God is stronger than ever before.

It was time. 

Here are some ways that have helped me learn to forgive this person (and others too) that will encourage you to show forgiveness towards others as well.

5 Simple Steps to Forgiveness

Pin this for later…

steps to forgiveness pinterest

Stop Thinking About It

This is one of the hardest things to do, but it is so important. Once you learn to stop entertaining those thoughts about the person/situation, or the frustration and grudges you have against them, it is so relieving. There is no need to continue dwelling on the whole thing. Stop thinking about it and move on. You will know that you have completely forgiven the person when you no longer think about it or care anymore. 

Give Yourself Some Time and Grace

Give yourself the time and grace that you need to be able to forgive and move on from the situation. It took me several years to forgive my ex over the things that he did to me. It isn’t going to be an overnight change in your mind and heart where you feel completely different about the person and have forgiven them and moved on from it all. 

Turn to The Lord

True forgiveness is shown through The Lord forgiving us of all of our sins. Talk to Him and let Him guide you on how to deal with forgiving this person in the right way. 

“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” 

Colossians 3:13

Pray for Those Who Have Hurt You

Pray for those who have hurt you. Pray for your enemies. Give it all to God in prayer. Let your thoughts and feelings about the person and situation be known to God. And in doing so, pray that God will heal your heart, mind and soul, and encourage you to forgive as He forgave you. 

“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

James 5:16

Set Healthy Boundaries

It is one thing to forgive someone, but it is another to let them back into your life. Forgiveness granted, but access denied.

I have never let my ex back into my life. I ceased all communication with him. If this is something that you need to do as well, then that is important for you to do. 

Final Thoughts on Showing Forgiveness Towards Others

I truly hope and pray that you are encouraged today to find forgiveness in your heart towards those who have hurt you or wronged you in any way. Give yourself the time that you need to heal, and move on.

Please know that God is always there for you. He will help you through everything that you are going through. Trust Him for He shows us in His Word, the right way to forgive others, just as how He has forgiven us. 

0 Comments
Share
Sacha C

Sacha is the owner/creator of Clothed With Dignity Co., which is a Christian blog that encourages women to be strong, honorable and faithful to God. On her blog, she has a free resources library filled with various different Christian resources. She also runs a small apparel and printables store for people to wear their faith and share the gospel with others.

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

You May Also Like

March 10, 2022

From Pain to Purpose: A Journey

January 5, 2022

5 Ways to Find Hope in your Hardship

March 17, 2022

Abandoning Shame to Follow God’s Call

Grab your coffee and stay awhile

Welcome to Salt + Sparrow, a place where we learn about Jesus, the Bible, and find big faith in small things.

On Instagram

It’s a challenging time to be a Christian. But the good news is God created us for such a time as this. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble.But take heart! I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33 NIV

#Christianity #Jesus #God #Christian #Bible #faith #JesusChrist #Love #church 
#prayer #Bibleverse #christianlife #godsword #jesussaves #jesuslovesyou #wordofgod #christianwoman #dailybibleverse #verseoftheday #bible-quotes #godislove #jesusislord #dailydevotional #biblejournaling #christianliving #scripture #biblequote #christianlifestyle #christianmom #faith
saltnsparrow
saltnsparrow
•
Follow
It’s a challenging time to be a Christian. But the good news is God created us for such a time as this. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble.But take heart! I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33 NIV #Christianity #Jesus #God #Christian #Bible #faith #JesusChrist #Love #church #prayer #Bibleverse #christianlife #godsword #jesussaves #jesuslovesyou #wordofgod #christianwoman #dailybibleverse #verseoftheday #bible-quotes #godislove #jesusislord #dailydevotional #biblejournaling #christianliving #scripture #biblequote #christianlifestyle #christianmom #faith
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
1/4
"You see, we weren’t meant to stay young parents of young children. It was always part of the plan for our babies to grow up and, to some extent, to go away."

@sandybrannanauthor 💛
saltnsparrow
saltnsparrow
•
Follow
"You see, we weren’t meant to stay young parents of young children. It was always part of the plan for our babies to grow up and, to some extent, to go away." @sandybrannanauthor 💛
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
2/4
You better believe Jesus would welcome every single person at His table. But they’d walk away a changed person. They wouldn’t continue their life of sin.

There’s a difference between passing judgement that’s not ours to pass and knowing the difference between right and wrong- recognizing sin. I can recognize sin and still invite you to my table. But you better believe the topic of conversation is going to be about how God forgives. How He loves. How He offers salvation. 

Because leading you to Jesus is the biggest act of love I can show you.
saltnsparrow
saltnsparrow
•
Follow
You better believe Jesus would welcome every single person at His table. But they’d walk away a changed person. They wouldn’t continue their life of sin. There’s a difference between passing judgement that’s not ours to pass and knowing the difference between right and wrong- recognizing sin. I can recognize sin and still invite you to my table. But you better believe the topic of conversation is going to be about how God forgives. How He loves. How He offers salvation. Because leading you to Jesus is the biggest act of love I can show you.
5 months ago
View on Instagram |
3/4
Keep this somewhere you can see it. 💛
@realbrittanydawn
saltnsparrow
saltnsparrow
•
Follow
Keep this somewhere you can see it. 💛 @realbrittanydawn
5 months ago
View on Instagram |
4/4
@saltnsparrow
Currently Praying For

Currently Praying For

Ukraine

Shop My Favorites

Amazon

She Who Is

Bible Studies

Blog

Recent Posts

  • Woman in a field, raising her left hand in prayer

    Daily Prayer for Strength During Difficult Times

    August 9, 2022
  • Psalms for Comfort and Strength

    Psalms for Comfort and Strength

    August 4, 2022
  • martial arts

    Deeper Than the Surface: A Beautiful Lesson of Love from Martial Arts

    August 2, 2022
  1. Jenny Penner on Characteristics of True Friendship: Choosing Loving Truth Over Vain AgreementJuly 21, 2022

    I love you so ver much my precious little sister. I’m so thankful for your testimony. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

  2. Susan on Faith and Road Trips: How They Both Prepare Us for Our Final DestinationJuly 14, 2022

    Oh Sandy - This is so true - what a great piece! What a blessing to "leave our worries behind"…

  3. Sherlin Mini Emmanuel on Bible Verses for Comfort in Hard TimesJuly 7, 2022

    So true.The word of God gives hope, comfort, and encouragement.

  4. Elaine Onorio on The Blurring Seasons of LifeJuly 1, 2022

    Mama always says Your children will teach you a lot more than you ever taught them

  5. Cara Blondo on Fresh, Fat, and Flourishing: Aging in the Grace of GodJune 30, 2022

    I remember that acronym, too! I love it! I am so blessed that this encouraged and blessed you, and I…

Proverbs 16:16

"How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!"

About

It’s a challenging time to be a Christian. But the good news is God created us for such a time as this. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble.But take heart! I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33 NIV

#Christianity #Jesus #God #Christian #Bible #faith #JesusChrist #Love #church 
#prayer #Bibleverse #christianlife #godsword #jesussaves #jesuslovesyou #wordofgod #christianwoman #dailybibleverse #verseoftheday #bible-quotes #godislove #jesusislord #dailydevotional #biblejournaling #christianliving #scripture #biblequote #christianlifestyle #christianmom #faith
saltnsparrow
saltnsparrow
•
Follow
It’s a challenging time to be a Christian. But the good news is God created us for such a time as this. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble.But take heart! I have overcome the world.” -John 16:33 NIV #Christianity #Jesus #God #Christian #Bible #faith #JesusChrist #Love #church #prayer #Bibleverse #christianlife #godsword #jesussaves #jesuslovesyou #wordofgod #christianwoman #dailybibleverse #verseoftheday #bible-quotes #godislove #jesusislord #dailydevotional #biblejournaling #christianliving #scripture #biblequote #christianlifestyle #christianmom #faith
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
1/4
"You see, we weren’t meant to stay young parents of young children. It was always part of the plan for our babies to grow up and, to some extent, to go away."

@sandybrannanauthor 💛
saltnsparrow
saltnsparrow
•
Follow
"You see, we weren’t meant to stay young parents of young children. It was always part of the plan for our babies to grow up and, to some extent, to go away." @sandybrannanauthor 💛
1 month ago
View on Instagram |
2/4
You better believe Jesus would welcome every single person at His table. But they’d walk away a changed person. They wouldn’t continue their life of sin.

There’s a difference between passing judgement that’s not ours to pass and knowing the difference between right and wrong- recognizing sin. I can recognize sin and still invite you to my table. But you better believe the topic of conversation is going to be about how God forgives. How He loves. How He offers salvation. 

Because leading you to Jesus is the biggest act of love I can show you.
saltnsparrow
saltnsparrow
•
Follow
You better believe Jesus would welcome every single person at His table. But they’d walk away a changed person. They wouldn’t continue their life of sin. There’s a difference between passing judgement that’s not ours to pass and knowing the difference between right and wrong- recognizing sin. I can recognize sin and still invite you to my table. But you better believe the topic of conversation is going to be about how God forgives. How He loves. How He offers salvation. Because leading you to Jesus is the biggest act of love I can show you.
5 months ago
View on Instagram |
3/4
Keep this somewhere you can see it. 💛
@realbrittanydawn
saltnsparrow
saltnsparrow
•
Follow
Keep this somewhere you can see it. 💛 @realbrittanydawn
5 months ago
View on Instagram |
4/4
@saltnsparrow
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Disclaimer
  • Contributors

Copyright © 2022 Salt + Sparrow. All Rights Reserved.Site Powered by Pix & Hue.