Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. – 2 Timothy 3:12

In today’s world, forgiveness is often seen as weakness. We live in a culture that hangs on to offenses and tends to thrive on division. The idea of forgiving those who wrong us—especially those who do so intentionally—goes completely against the grain. But Jesus taught something radically different.

He said, “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). This isn’t just a nice sounding idea—it is how we should live.

It can be easy to think, “Why should I forgive? What they did was wrong!” But that is exactly why forgiveness is needed—because it was wrong. When we forgive, we are not minimizing or excusing the other person’s offense; we are breaking the ties that would otherwise bind us in bitterness.

Romans 12:21 reminds us, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” That is not a popular message in a world where winning arguments and being right often matters more than doing the right thing. When we repay wrong with wrong, we continue the cycle of evil. But when we forgive, we break that cycle and reflect the heart of God.

We must also remember: people are not the real enemy. “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities… against the rulers of the darkness of this age” (Ephesians 6:12). The person who hurt you is not the real enemy—Satan is.

Choosing to forgive others despite the pain or suffering persecution honors God, silences the enemy, and sets you free. It also comes with a promise: If we endure, we shall also reign with Him (2 Timothy 2:12).