Forgive and Be Free
The Power of Forgiveness in the Healing Journey
Forgiveness is one of the most powerful and necessary steps on the path to healing. Yet, for many men, it’s also one of the hardest. Whether it's the pain of betrayal, the weight of regret, or the silent resentment toward God—we often carry wounds that we’ve never fully dealt with. At JourneyMen, we’ve seen that real growth and freedom cannot happen without forgiveness. It’s not a one-time decision—it’s a process that sets the heart free.
Why Forgiveness Matters
Unforgiveness in our hearts acts like a spiritual blockage. It slows our growth, fuels bitterness, and leads us to seek false comfort in things like pornography, alcohol, anger, or isolation. Worse yet, it keeps us emotionally and spiritually tethered to the very people or moments that hurt us.
Jesus spoke plainly about forgiveness: “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”(Matthew 6:14–15)
Forgiveness is not optional for those who follow Christ—it’s essential. But it’s also a gift, a doorway to freedom. It doesn’t excuse the hurt; it releases the grip that pain has on our lives.
It's important to understand what forgiveness is—and what it is not.
Forgiveness isn't saying what happened was okay. It isn’t pretending it didn’t hurt, and it isn’t automatically reestablishing the relationship. Forgiveness doesn’t mean you have to trust the person again or allow them back into your life.
Forgiveness is choosing to release someone from the debt they owe you. It’s saying, “I no longer want them to be punished for what they did to me.” It’s an act of surrender that frees you from bitterness and hands justice over to God.
Three Types of Forgiveness Every Man Needs
1. Forgiving Others Who Have Hurt Us
Whether it was a father who abandoned you, a friend who betrayed you, or someone who inflicted deep emotional or physical pain, holding on to offense binds you to the past. Forgiveness doesn't mean what they did was right—it means you're choosing freedom over bitterness.
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13)
When you forgive, you break the power their actions have over your future.
2. Releasing God from Our Blame
Many men won’t say it out loud, but deep down, they hold a grudge against God. Why didn’t He stop the abuse? Why didn’t He answer that prayer? Why did He let it happen?
Blaming God creates distance in our relationship with Him. But God is not the author of evil—He is the healer of the broken. Releasing our judgment against Him reopens our hearts to receive His love and truth.
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18)
Letting go of resentment toward God allows you to reconnect with the Father who’s been pursuing you all along.
3. Forgiving Ourselves
Self-forgiveness is often the most difficult. Regret, shame, and self-condemnation can hold a man hostage for years. But the blood of Jesus was enough. If He has forgiven you, who are you to withhold forgiveness from yourself?
“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1)
Forgiving yourself means agreeing with what God says about you—that you are redeemed, restored, and made new in Christ.
Forgiveness Is Freedom
Forgiveness doesn’t change the past, but it radically transforms your future. It unchains your heart, releases your mind, and clears the path for spiritual breakthrough. Holding on to offense only keeps you in cycles of brokenness. Letting go opens the door to healing.
At JourneyMen, we understand how painful and complex forgiveness can be. That’s why we offer more than just encouragement—we walk with you through the process. We provide a safe, confidential space to be real about your pain, guided by biblical truth and practical tools that lead to lasting freedom.
If you're ready to stop carrying the weight and step into the life Jesus has for you, we’re here to help.
Get Started today and begin your journey of healing and forgiveness with JourneyMen.
