Freedom in Forgiveness
God desires us to live in freedom. Because he has so much love for humanity, he sent his only son, Jesus Christ, to die for us all. Even though this has transpired, some of us still have heavy chains that we carry around due to our inability to forgive others and ourselves. This gets in the way of us living in freedom. It imprisons our souls and impedes the tranquility and peace that unites us in grace with God.
When we bestow mercy on those who have hurt us, we mirror God’s love! The process of forgiving involves humility, pain and, at times, many tears. Yet, only when we forgive can we be truly free! As Mother Teresa tells us: “If we really want to love, we must learn how to forgive.” Forgiveness heals, strengthens and sanctifies us.
God’s word is full of references on how important forgiveness should be to all of his followers. Reading these scriptures mends our hearts and shows us the way! For example, Leviticus 19:18 says, “Take no revenge and cherish no grudge against your own people. You shall love your neighbor as much as yourself.” Holding grudges and choosing not to forgive, closes our hearts, making it impossible to love our neighbor. Some of us also hold grudges against ourselves. We condemn ourselves because of our sins. This is not what God wants for us! He does not want us to live in the darkness of sin! Jesus himself says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12)
There was a time in my life when I myself walked in darkness. I was indulged in sin and fell into a deep depression because I could not forgive myself for what I had done. I was caught in the devil’s trap. He was telling me I did not deserve forgiveness and making me feel unworthy of God’s love. I needed God’s grace to free me from my guilt and shame. After being Christian for so long, I felt like I should have been better at repentance. I felt I could not go to God again until I “fixed” that part of me. Thankfully, God spoke to my heart. He told me it was in moments of doubt and shame that I needed to come to him the most. Even though I felt like a failure for not upholding his promises, I needed his help to work on the part of me that was broken.
It only stands to reason that if we are forgiven over and over again by God, we must offer the same kindness and mercy to those who have hurt us. Saint Teresa of Ávila had this to say:
I cannot believe that a soul which has arrived so near to Mercy itself, where she knows what she is, and how many sins God has forgiven her, should not instantly and willingly forgive others, and be pacified and wish well to everyone who has injured her, because she remembers the kindness and favors our Lord has shown her, whereby she has seen proofs of exceeding great love, and she is glad to have an opportunity offered to show some gratitude to her Lord. (Way of Perfection, Ch. 36)
Despite receiving God’s mercy, we struggle to reciprocate it. Forgiving is not just deciding to not hold something against someone, it is an act of dying to self. There is tremendous wisdom in letting go!
Fortunately, God loves us exactly where we are in our faith journey. God’s grace will meet us when we fail. As Christians, we are in a constant conversion – the closer we grow in intimacy with God, the more we realize our vulnerability and weakness. Whether we forgive others or forgive ourselves, we let loose those chains and stop living in the shadows. God is calling us toward forgiveness! We do not have to carry this burden any longer! Instead, may we find peace by acknowledging Jesus Christ’s love and inviting him into our hearts!
May we increase our devotion to Jesus Christ in everything we do, both in our efforts and in our failures. May we always recognize that Jesus Christ forgives us even in our unforgiveness and continues to love us more than we deserve!

Leiri Bocanegra was born in Villalba, Puerto Rico but now resides in Massachusetts with her Husband and four children. Leiri and her husband Gustavo met in their parish youth group, “Agape,” and have been serving together ever since! You can usually find them singing together at church events and retreats! Leiri works as the Coordinator of Outreach and Evangelization for St. Mary’s Parish in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She also has a nursing background in both Geriatrics and Pediatrics. She has been a member of the Holy Family Institute for six years and enjoys Family Ministry. Her biggest accomplishment has been becoming a mother. She enjoys being able to use social platforms to help other Catholic mothers connect and assist one another through the wonderful vocation of motherhood!