Forgiveness in Real-Time

Proverbs 19:11 reminds us that wisdom enables patience and gives us the grace to overlook an offence. It doesn’t mean pretending the offence didn’t happen; it means choosing to release its hold over us. Forgiveness in real-time is not about ignoring the pain but about refusing to let it fester. It’s about prioritizing freedom and peace over our pride or desire for vindication.

Jesus exemplified this on the cross when He prayed, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34). In the most unjust and painful situation, He modelled forgiveness as an immediate response, not a delayed process.

A coworker makes a sharp comment about your work during a team meeting, leaving you feeling humiliated and angry. At that moment, you have a choice. You could hold onto the offence, replaying the words in your mind, letting them build resentment, or you could practice forgiveness in real time. By choosing to release the hurt immediately, you stop it from affecting your attitude and the quality of your work relationships. Later, when the time is right, you can calmly address the comment with your coworker, not out of anger but out of a desire for understanding and reconciliation.

Practical Reflections:

Acknowledge the Offence: Pretending the hurt doesn’t exist will not lead to healing. Acknowledge the pain, and take it to God. Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” Let Him validate your feelings and give you the strength to release the hurt.

Choose Forgiveness Quickly: Holding onto offences often leads to bitterness, which is a burden we were never meant to carry. Forgiveness doesn’t excuse the wrong but frees you from its grip. Ask yourself, “Is holding onto this worth sacrificing my peace?”

Reflect on God’s Forgiveness:  Colossians 3:13 urges us to forgive as the Lord forgave us. When we remember how much we’ve been forgiven, it becomes easier to extend the same grace to others.

Seek Reconciliation Wisely:  Forgiveness doesn’t always mean immediate reconciliation, but it does mean releasing the desire for revenge or harbouring ill will. Pray for the offender and, if possible, work towards peace.

Practice Forgiveness Daily: Make forgiveness a discipline. The more you forgive in real time, the easier it becomes. Meditate on scriptures like Matthew 6:14-15, where Jesus emphasizes the importance of forgiving others to receive God’s forgiveness.

Closing Thoughts

Forgiveness in real-time requires grace, humility, and a heart aligned with God’s will. It is not always easy, but it is always freeing. When we forgive quickly, we stop offences from becoming seeds of bitterness in our hearts. Real-time forgiveness reflects God’s love and wisdom to a watching world. Imagine how much lighter your life would feel if you chose to let go of offences as they arise, trusting God to heal the wounds.

Let us strive to walk in the wisdom of Proverbs 19:11, overlooking offences and choosing forgiveness for the glory of God.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for forgiving me time and time again. Help me to reflect Your grace by forgiving others quickly and freely. When offences come, give me the strength to let go in real-time, trusting You to heal my heart. Teach me to walk in wisdom and patience, overlooking offences for Your glory. May my life be a reflection of Your love and forgiveness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.