Matthew 6: 14 & 15

"If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.
But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Forgiveness is not saying that things are okay now, and then going back into an abusive situation. It is not letting someone off the hook by saying, “You didn’t do anything wrong.” Some people think that forgiveness is unconditional love with no boundaries or accountability. It is not. Forgiveness is not denial that a hurtful situation exists, and it isn’t denying the fact that your feelings are hurt. And forgiveness does not mean you accept the person’s behavior.

By forgiving others, we free ourselves spiritually and emotionally. Forgiveness is an act of our own personal will in obedience and submission to God’s will, trusting God to bring emotional healing.

There are many things that a few people have done to really hurt me. Words are hurtful. I have had a hard time dealing with them. But I am ready to ask God to help me. I know it won't be easy for me as I have been hurt so badly. So I wanted to publicly do this, maybe it will help me stick to what I am saying and asking of God. It is very hard for me to do this. I know those of you who are close to me know what I have been dealing with for quite some time now. I have to forgive to be forgiven.It is really hard for me to forgive when there have been no apologies. It does not make it ok for the hurtful things these people have done to me. But for me and my family, I am letting go.

Dear God, I choose as an act of my will, regardless of my feelings, to forgive the person(s) who has wronged me. I release them, and I set myself free to Your healing. With Your help, I will no longer dwell on the situation or continue to talk about it. I thank You for forgiving me as I have forgiven them. I thank You for releasing me. I ask this in Jesus’ name, amen.