Embracing Forgiveness

 by Xiomara Beltre

Have you ever received a gift that touched your heart so deeply it left a mark on your soul?
 
My story begins with a bag from Cuba. I love purses and when I saw a unique purse being made, I couldn't resist. I asked if I could purchase one. They told me it was just a sample and not for sale. I was disappointed but understood. The following day, to my surprise, they gifted me with that purse. Their resources were scarce, and this gesture was a sacrifice. Their giving hearts touched me in a way I can hardly put into words. It made me reflect on the importance of meaningful gifts in our lives, and it got me thinking about the best gift of all: forgiveness.

Forgiveness in the Face of Betrayal
In Genesis 23, we find the story of twin brothers, Jacob & Esau. Their story is filled with conflict & betrayal, starting with their conception. Their parents' favoritism complicated their relationship. Jacob's deceit in stealing Esau's birthright left Esau hurt & betrayed. Their relationship deteriorated to the point where they didn't speak for twenty years. They parted ways as described in Genesis 27. This family was torn apart by hurt and unforgiveness.
 
This can be a familiar pattern in our lives: hurt and unforgiveness can wreak havoc and tear families and relationships apart.

The Weight of Hurt and Unforgiveness
Hurt is an inevitable part of our human relationships. We all carry the weight of past hurts, like bags filled with the emotional baggage of lies, jealousy, betrayal, bullying, abuse, & more. These experiences can build up anger, bitterness, & eventually lead to unforgiveness & become a burden weighing us down.
 
As women, we often carry physical bags, purses, & totes filled with too many items. Carrying emotional baggage is far less enjoyable, & it can have a heavy impact on our lives. 

​Unforgiveness: The Heaviness of Bitterness
Unforgiveness is like carrying a heavy burden. Ephesians 4:31-32 reminds us to "let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander be put away from you," and to "be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." Unforgiveness brings bitterness, anger, frustration, broken relationships, and sometimes even depression and anxiety. We must choose whether to foster unforgiveness or foster healing.

The Transformative Power of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is not easy, but it is essential. It is not about forgetting or justifying someone's actions or putting up with abuse. Forgiveness is a deliberate decision to pardon, renounce anger or resentment, & build healthy boundaries. It is a resolution & process that leads to joy, peace, relief, and freedom.
 
Forgiveness allows us to put down the baggage we've been carrying & extend to others the same forgiveness God has given us. It leads to restoration in our relationship with God, with ourselves and with others.
 
How Do We Forgive?
To embrace forgiveness we must:

• Remember our need for forgiveness
• Receive God's forgiveness
• Release the person who has hurt us. 

 
This process allows us to experience the freedom & restoration that forgiveness offers. I want to leave you with this thought: God wants to make your load lighter; He wants you to be whole.
 
Just as we have been forgiven, we must also extend forgiveness to others. Let go of the heavy burdens of hurt & unforgiveness. Embrace the gift of forgiveness. It is truly one of the best gifts you can give and receive. May your heart be filled with the grace of forgiveness & may you find strength to let go of the burdens that have weighed you down for too long. 

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​Xiomara Beltre is Women's Director at Bethlehem Assembly of God in Baldwin. She serves alongside her husband, Carlos, as Campus Pastors. They are blessed with three children. Xiomara's passion is helping women of all backgrounds find restoration & fulfillment in God's purpose, offering spiritual guidance & hope.