S18 E2 - Forgiveness

In this episode, we reflect on the tender and often misunderstood topic of forgiveness, what it is, what it isn't, and why it's central to finding freedom in Christ. We talk honestly about how resentment and unforgiveness can quietly build in the heart, often as an attempt to protect ourselves from further pain. We also acknowledge how difficult forgiveness can be, what to do with the cry of our hearts when we have been wounded, and how to entrust it to God when we don't yet feel capable of forgiving. Friends, forgiveness does not strip us of our identity, it affirms who we are in Christ. Even in the deepest places of hurt, we find hope because of the loving presence of a God who never abandons us in our pain.

Heather's One Thing - Greatness of the Lord by Brooke Ligertwood
Heather's Other One Thing - The Franciscan University Community
Sister Miriam's One Thing - Heather's Battle Cry Playlist
Michelle's One Thing - Congratulations to Indiana University for winning the championship!
Michelle's Other One Thing - The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

Other Resources Mentioned:

• Forgiving as Unity with Christ: A Journey for Healing Resentment and Relationships by Dr. Robert Enright

Announcement:
Our 2026 Lenten book study will be "The Way of Trust and Love" by Fr. Jacques Philippe. Scepter Publishers has offered 15% off with the code ABIDE15. They also offer an ebook version as well. We will announce more information about the study in the coming weeks!

Journal Questions:

• What are the unhealed places of your heart?
• Are you angry, sad, or frustrated at the wrong you've endured?
• How have I experienced shame about the wrongs I've endured or my own unforgiveness?
• How has this affected my health, wellbeing, or energy?
• How do I replay or obsess over the conflict I experienced?
• How have I given into constant comparison in my unforgiveness?
• What major changes have occurred in my life because of the injustice I've experienced and how have they affected me?
• Has this experience led to a more negative worldview?
• How has my sense of self changed? Am I seeing myself as worthless?

Discussion Questions:

• How have you been sweeping things under the rug and calling it forgiveness?
• What deeper feelings lie beneath your resentment?
• Where in your life do you need to repent and take personal responsibility?
• Who has modeled repentance and forgiveness well in your life?
• How does your heart react to conflict and wrongdoing in relationships?

Quotes to Ponder:
"Ultimately, we can really forgive people only because Christ rose from the dead; his Resurrection is the guarantee that God can cure every wrong and every hurt." (Fr. Jacques Philippe, Interior Freedom)

Resentment attacks our vital forces and does us much harm. When someone has made us suffer, our tendency is to keep the memory of the wrong alive in our minds, like a "bill" we will produce in due time to demand settlement. Those accumulated bills end up poisoning our lives. It is…