Forgiveness and Faith: How Forgiving Others and Yourself Can Improve Your Life

Jesus,

I am feeling {insert how you feel} around {insert name}right now.

I confess that I am frustrated, hurt, and even angry.

I pray that you show me the way, for I do not know how to deal with this difficult person in my life. I know that you’ve placed them here for a reason and I am grateful for that. Grant me your Godly Wisdom so that I may uplift your name! Give me strength and courage so that can forgive them just as you have forgiven me. Please guide my thoughts and actions as I deal with them.

AMEN!

Forgiveness is one of the most significant struggles Christians face, especially after they have been wronged. It is also, however, an integral aspect of faith, and a goal every person of faith should strive to achieve in all walks of life.

As a Christian, you know that salvation depends on God forgiving your sins through Jesus’ death and resurrection and you likely understand at some level the importance of forgiveness in your everyday life, but you may not be aware of the extent to which it plays into your health, happiness, and relationships with others. Detailed below are a few of the many ways in which forgiveness and faith can transform your life:

Physical and Mental Health

Numerous studies confirm that forgiveness leads to better physical and mental health outcomes. Forgiveness helps to ease depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. It improves sleep, reduces blood sugar, and boosts your immune system. Furthermore, a 2011 Journal of Behavior Medicine study indicates that those who practice true forgiveness towards others live longer than those who stick with conditional forgiveness (in which they are rarely or never first to apologize).

Forgiveness should not merely be reserved for others; you’ll also need to forgive yourself from time to time. Numerous studies indicate that self-forgiveness can lead to positive mental health outcomes. The best path to self-forgiveness is prayer. Once you repent and acknowledge your intention to closely follow Christ’s example, you’ll feel a weight lifted off of you, allowing you to actually follow through with your intentions of living out God’s Word.

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