Breaking Free: How Jesus Can Help You Let Go of Resentment and Find True Freedom
Maria sat in the church pew, hands clenched tightly in her lap. The pastor’s message was about forgiveness, but her heart resisted. She had been betrayed by someone she trusted deeply. The wound was fresh, and every time she thought about it, the pain surged like an unhealed cut. How could she possibly forgive when the hurt felt so raw?
Many of us, like Maria, struggle with letting go of resentment. We replay the offense in our minds, building walls around our hearts, hoping to protect ourselves from further pain. But the truth is, holding onto resentment doesn’t protect us—it traps us. Jesus came to set us free, and forgiveness is a key that unlocks the door.
The Weight of Unforgiveness
Jesus often spoke about forgiveness, knowing how much we would wrestle with it. One of His most powerful teachings is found in the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35). In this story, a servant owes a king a massive debt—so large that he could never repay it. Moved by compassion, the king erases the debt entirely. But instead of extending the same mercy to a fellow servant who owed him only a small amount, the forgiven man demands payment and refuses to forgive. The king, upon hearing this, is outraged.
Jesus ends the parable with a sobering truth: just as God forgives us, we are called to forgive others. When we withhold forgiveness, we are like the unmerciful servant—choosing to carry a burden that Jesus has already released us from.
What Forgiveness Is—And What It Isn’t
Forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing hurtful actions or pretending the pain doesn’t exist. It’s not about saying what happened was okay. Instead, forgiveness is a choice to surrender the offense to God, trusting Him to bring justice in His perfect way and timing.
Joseph, the son of Jacob, is a beautiful example of this. Betrayed by his own brothers, sold into slavery, and wrongfully imprisoned, Joseph had every reason to be bitter. Yet, when he stood before his brothers years later, he chose grace over vengeance. “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20, NIV).
Joseph didn’t ignore his suffering—he saw it through God’s eyes. He recognized that even in his pain, God was working something greater. This perspective freed him from resentment and allowed him to walk in peace.
Steps to Letting Go of Resentment
If you find yourself struggling with resentment, know that Jesus understands. He, too, was betrayed, abandoned, and unjustly treated. Yet, His response was love. Here are three steps to help you walk in the same freedom He offers:
Bring Your Pain to God
Before you can truly forgive, you need to acknowledge your hurt. David, in the Psalms, poured out his emotions to God without holding back. You can do the same. Tell God about your anger, your disappointment, and your grief. He can handle it.
See the Offender Through God’s Eyes
This is not easy, but it is powerful. Ask God to help you see the person who hurt you as He sees them—flawed, yes, but also deeply loved. Jesus, even while hanging on the cross, prayed for His enemies: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34, NIV). If Jesus could forgive in His darkest hour, surely, with His help, we can, too.
Choose Freedom Over Bitterness
Resentment is like carrying a heavy chain—it weighs us down and keeps us stuck. Forgiveness, on the other hand, sets us free. It doesn’t mean forgetting or reconciling if trust has been broken, but it does mean releasing the grip the offense has on your heart. Letting go doesn’t change the past, but it does change your future.
The Beauty of a Forgiving Heart
The Apostle Paul reminds us of the kind of life God calls us to:
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23, NIV)
A heart free from resentment makes space for joy and peace. Imagine walking through life unburdened, no longer shackled by bitterness. That’s the freedom Jesus offers.
Take the Next Step
God’s love is bigger than your pain. If resentment has been weighing you down, take a step toward freedom today. Ask God to help you forgive, even if your heart doesn’t feel ready. Trust that He will lead you through the process.
Let’s pray:
"Father, I bring my hurt before You. I don’t want to be held captive by resentment any longer. Help me to forgive as You have forgiven me. Fill my heart with Your peace and set me free. In Jesus’ name, Amen."
For more encouragement on your faith journey, subscribe to the EXCEL2FAITH Newsletter and discover practical ways to grow in God’s love every day. Remember, in Christ, you are truly free!
Forgiveness Fill-in-the-Blanks
Fill in the missing words from these key Bible verses on forgiveness. (Use NIV for consistency.)
“Be kind and _________ to one another, __________ each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a ________ against someone. Forgive as the ________ forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13)
“Father, ________ them, for they do not know what they are ________.” (Luke 23:34)
Challenge: Once you complete the blanks, say each verse out loud as a declaration of freedom from resentment.
Heavenly Father, I come before You with an open heart, surrendering the burdens of resentment and pain that have weighed me down. Teach me to forgive as You have forgiven me—freely, completely, and with a heart full of grace. Fill me with Your peace, Lord, and help me see others through Your eyes, so that I may walk in the freedom and joy that only You can give. Draw me closer to You each day, shaping my heart to reflect Your love, and guiding me to live in the fullness of Your mercy.
Amen.
If you want to change your life and accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, or if you have drifted away and want to recommit your life to Him, read this prayer out loud and make it your own. This is your moment to surrender, to step into God’s grace, and to begin a new or renewed journey of faith and freedom in Christ.
Heavenly Father, I come before You, acknowledging that I need Your grace, love, and forgiveness. I confess my sins and turn away from my past, believing that Jesus Christ died for me and rose again to give me new life. Lord Jesus, I invite You into my heart as my Savior and King—wash me clean, restore my soul, and help me walk in the freedom of Your truth. From this moment forward, I commit to following You, trusting You, and living for You, now and forever. Amen.
I would love to hear from you if you prayed this prayer and truly meant it! Send me a message about your new or renewed life in Christ at excel2faith@gmail.com, and I will send you materials to help you grow in your faith and walk confidently in your journey with Jesus. You are not alone—welcome to the family of God!