Forgiveness is one of the hardest things to do, yet one of the most healing gifts we can give ourselves. At its simplest, forgiveness means choosing to release hurt, anger, or bitterness toward someone — even when they were wrong. It does not mean the person was right or that you forget what happened. It simply means you are choosing peace over pain.
Forgiveness Affects Mental Well-being
Holding onto anger, resentment, or old wounds weighs the mind down. It increases stress, anxiety, sadness, and even physical tension in the body. Unforgiveness keeps the mind trapped in the past and steals joy from the present.
Forgiveness is a powerful mental health tool because it removes emotional poison and allows healing to start. You breathe lighter, emotions feel clearer, minds become calmer, relationships improve, and inner peace returns.
The word of God teaches forgiveness not only as a command, but as a path to freedom. Jesus said in Matthew 6:14: “If you forgive others… your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” This shows that forgiveness is part of spiritual health.
Ephesians 4:31–32 also talks about putting away all bitterness, wrath, anger, malice, but you should be kind, tender-hearted, and forgiving one another even as Christ’s has forgiven you.
Bitterness affects the heart, mind, and even the body. God knows that unforgiveness becomes a burden — that is why He instructs us to let go.
Forgiveness is not for the other person — it is for you. It is an act of cleansing the mind, healing the heart, and freeing the spirit. When you forgive, you create space for God’s peace to settle inside you.
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed on You.” – Isaiah 26:3
Forgiveness is a journey. Take the first step today. Let go, so you can grow. Release, so you can rise. Forgive, so you can live free and more so that our heavenly Father will also forgive you.
FORGIVENESS AND MENTAL HEALTH – LETTING GO TO LIVE FREE
