January 8: Forgiveness and Freedom

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Forgiveness and Freedom

Author: Nicola Blackmore, Kings Seventh-day Adventist Church 

Theme: Letting Go and Embracing God’s Forgiveness


Life often brings us moments of immense pain, moments that shake our faith and challenge our very existence. My journey is one such testimony. As a survivor of rape, emotional abuse, mental torment, and physical violence, I have walked through the darkest valleys. The wounds left by these experiences felt irreparable. They scared my heart, mind, and spirit. For years, I wrestled with anger, shame, and bitterness—emotions that kept me in chains.


But amid my pain, I encountered a truth that changed everything: forgiveness is not about the abuser; it’s about me. It’s about the healing God offers when we surrender our burdens to Him.

In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus reminds us of the power of forgiveness:
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

It wasn’t easy to forgive those who hurt me. Forgiveness felt like letting them go free. But God whispered to my soul, “My child, forgiveness is the key to your freedom.” Through prayer and leaning into His Word, I began to let go of the bitterness and anger. With each act of surrender, I felt lighter.

Forgiving didn’t mean excusing their actions or forgetting the pain. It meant releasing the power their actions had over me and choosing to heal. God’s forgiveness of my own sins became my example. If He could love me in my brokenness, I could extend that same grace to others.

Forgiveness allowed me to embrace God’s promises of restoration and peace. I no longer carry the weight of anger or resentment. Instead, I walk in freedom, knowing that God is my ultimate healer and vindicator.

If you’ve been hurt deeply, I encourage you to take that first step toward forgiveness. Trust God with your pain. Release it to Him and allow His love to heal your brokenness. Forgiveness is not just a gift to others; it’s a gift to yourself—a step toward embracing freedom in Christ.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the forgiveness You freely offer us. Help us to let go of the pain and resentment we hold onto and teach us to forgive as You have forgiven us. Heal the broken places in our hearts and restore our relationships with Your love and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Photographer: Shaqueena Shanuel Danvers

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