Unforgiveness is one of the most subtle yet powerful barriers to peace. It often hides beneath layers of justification, pain, and pride—convincing us that holding onto offense is safer than letting go. But as John’s story in Be Transformed – New Life Awaits by John Robin Murphy reveals, unforgiveness is not just a spiritual issue—it’s a heart issue that affects every part of our lives.
John had carried unresolved anger toward his father for years. Even after accepting Christ, the emotional residue of their strained relationship lingered. Occasionally, a comment or action from his father would trigger a wave of negative emotions, revealing that the wound had never truly healed. Like many of us, John had tried to “put a good face” on the relationship, but the pain was still there—buried, but active.
The turning point came when John felt convicted by the Holy Spirit to forgive his father—not because his father had asked for it, and not because the offense had been resolved—but purely out of obedience to God. Through a simple prayer of forgiveness and repentance, John released the judgment he had held and invited God into the broken places of his heart.
The result was nothing short of miraculous.
John began to experience long-forgotten feelings of love for his father. What had once been a relationship marked by tension and emotional distance became one of deep appreciation and connection. He saw his father’s love more clearly and began to cherish the relationship as one of the “crown jewels” of his faith journey.
This is the power of forgiveness. It doesn’t require the other person to change—it requires us to surrender. When we forgive, we release ourselves from the torment of bitterness, resentment, and emotional captivity. We allow God to heal what we cannot fix on our own.
Forgiveness is not a feeling—it’s a decision. It’s an act of obedience that honors God and opens the door to transformation. As John discovered, forgiveness is the gateway to peace, restoration, and spiritual maturity.
If you’re holding onto unforgiveness, consider this: What is it costing you? Is it blocking your ability to hear God, to love others, or to experience joy? The good news is that healing is available. You don’t have to wait for an apology or resolution. You can choose today to forgive, and in doing so, invite God to do a deeper work in your heart.