In 1947, Corrie ten Boom spoke at a church in Munich about God’s forgiveness. Years earlier, she and her sister, Betsie, had been imprisoned at Ravensbrück concentration camp, where Betsie died.
After the service, a former guard from the camp approached her. He did not recognise her, but she remembered him. He extended his hand and asked for forgiveness.
Ten Boom later recalled that she stood frozen. The memories of cruelty and suffering returned. She knew what the Bible commanded, but she did not feel capable of obeying it.
Silently, she prayed for God’s help. Then she made a choice. She placed her hand in his and forgave him. Her feelings had resisted, but obedience opened the way for healing. Corrie ten Boom’s account
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
Ephesians 4:32, KJV
Forgiveness Is a Decision
Forgiveness does not always begin with warm feelings. Sometimes it begins with a decision to obey God while the wound is still painful.
We may wait to forgive until the anger disappears, but anger often remains because we have not released the offence. Forgiveness says, “I will no longer carry this debt or seek personal revenge. I place this person and this injury in God’s hands.”
Forgiveness Does Not Excuse the Wrong
Forgiving someone does not mean pretending that nothing happened. It does not call evil good or remove the need for accountability. It does not require the immediate restoration of trust, especially where there has been repeated harm.
Forgiveness releases vengeance. Trust, however, may need to be rebuilt through repentance, truth and consistent change.
Remember How Much You Have Been Forgiven
The strength to forgive others comes from remembering how generously God has forgiven us.
“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”
Colossians 3:13, KJV
We do not forgive because the offence was insignificant. We forgive because Christ’s mercy towards us is greater than the wrong committed against us.
You may still feel pain when you remember what happened. Forgiveness does not always erase the memory immediately, but it removes the memory’s authority to control your life.
Forgiveness is not always what you feel. Sometimes it is what you choose.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, You know the wounds I carry and the people I struggle to forgive. I cannot release this pain by my strength alone.
Give me the grace to forgive as You have forgiven me. Remove bitterness, anger and the desire for revenge from my heart. Help me to establish wise boundaries without carrying hatred.
Today, I place every offence and every offender into Your hands. Heal my heart and restore my peace.
Forgiveness is what I choose.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
The Sacred Pause presents Christian reflections rooted in Scripture, offering encouragement, prayer and practical wisdom for everyday life. It forms part of The Trent’s broader exploration of faith, meaning and the human experience.
