Is it really possible to forgive and forget? No, it’s not in our power, but only with the power of the Holy Spirit can we forgive those who have hurt us. The Catechism states:
“It is not in our power not to feel or to forget an offense; but the heart that offers itself to the Holy Spirit turns injury into compassion and purifies the memory in transforming the hurt into intercession.”
CCC 2843
When we forgive, we can see the person who hurt us the way God sees them. The person who hurt you does not know how to love, and that is usually because they have never been truly loved. Forgiveness lets us see their brokenness, and gives us the grace to pray for their healing.
So it is not possible to forgive without God’s grace, but since he calls us to be free he longs for us to invite him into that hurt. If you’ve been unforgiving toward someone, God wants to free you from that unforgiveness. Leave justice to the Lord, and live with the peace of Christ:
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”
John 14:27
Think of our mother Mary, who watched as her son was murdered before her eyes. Pray the Rosary and let her teach you how to forgive as she and her son have, because it is in forgiving that we truly gain victory.
Meet Jackie and Bobby Angel
Jackie Francois Angel is a full-time worship leader and speaker. Bobby Angel is a campus minister and theology teacher at a Catholic high school. Married in 2013, they have three beautiful children and strive to grow in holiness each day!
