Do You Want a Real Superpower?

What Scripture and Science Reveal About Living Free

Many people wrestle with forgiveness, asking:

• What if they never apologize?

• Does forgiving mean what they did was okay?

• What if I still need boundaries?

These are honest questions. And they deserve honest answers rooted in truth.

Forgiveness is one of the most radical and healing themes running through Scripture—from the story of Joseph forgiving his brothers (Genesis 50) to Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15), to the most powerful moment of all: Jesus on the cross praying,

“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

The Bible teaches forgiveness not as a feeling or a reward for good behavior—but as a pathway to freedom.

What Is True Forgiveness?

True forgiveness is not about excusing harm or inviting it to continue. It’s about releasing the burden of bitterness, trusting God with justice, and choosing peace for your own soul.

Let’s break down four key truths:

1. Forgiveness doesn’t require an apology.

You may never get the apology you deserve. That’s not fun to hear. But the good news is: your freedom doesn’t depend on someone else's remorse. Forgiveness is something you choose—not something you wait for.

“Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” —Colossians 3:13

2. Forgiveness doesn’t mean what happened was okay.

Let’s be clear: abuse, betrayal, and injustice are never okay. Forgiveness doesn’t rewrite the past—it simply says, “I won’t let this wound rule my life anymore.” We reclaim power when we choose to step away from the pain, bitterness, or anger of withholding forgiveness.

3. Forgiveness does not eliminate the need for boundaries.

We can forgive someone and still create distance. We can forgive and still protect our peace. In fact, healthy boundaries are often a sign that real healing is taking root.

4. Forgiveness sets you free.

This is the part so many people miss.

Unforgiveness can bind your heart, hijack your thoughts, and steal your peace. But studies from institutions like Johns Hopkins and Mayo Clinic show that practicing forgiveness leads to better mental health, lower stress, healthier relationships, improved heart function, and even a stronger immune system – not for the other person, for you!

Forgiveness changes you.

It doesn’t make the past right—it makes the future possible.

Why God Calls Us to Forgive

When Joseph stood before the very brothers who betrayed him, he didn’t pretend the pain didn’t happen. But he looked at them and said, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good…” (Genesis 50:20). That’s not a man forgetting the past—that’s a man set free from it.

When the father in Jesus’ story saw his prodigal son returning, he didn’t wait for an apology. He ran toward him. That’s a picture of grace so undeserved it makes us catch our breath.

And when Jesus hung on the cross, bearing the full weight of our sin and rejection, He didn’t curse the crowd, which He could have done. He said, “Father, forgive them.”

Forgiveness is central to the Gospel—and it’s God’s invitation to live untangled from the power of resentment.

Ready to Forgive, but Don’t Know How?

If you’ve been stuck—struggling to forgive someone (or even yourself)—you’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

In the coming weeks, I’ll be sharing more about an upcoming event designed to help Christian women heal, forgive, and live with joy. Comment the word JOY to be added to a list for updates.

Until then, let this truth settle deep into your heart:

You were never meant to live in chains.

Not to shame. Not to regret. Not to resentment.

“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” —2 Corinthians 3:17

Forgiveness is a key to a nourished life.

Forgiveness is key to your mental, emotional, and spiritual freedom.