Abiding Together 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:
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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 wiser to cancel every debt, as the Gospel invites us to. In return, we will be forgiven everything, and our hearts will be set free, whereas nurturing resentment toward others closes us to the positive things they could contribute to us." (Fr. Jacques Philippe, Interior Freedom)
Scripture for Lectio:
"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!"" (Matthew 18:21-22)
Sponsor - Blessed is She:
"Who do you say that I am?"
Jesus didn't ask this because He was uncertain of His identity. He asked because we often are.
The disciples had walked with Him. They had seen the miracles. They had heard the teaching. And still, when the question was asked, many hesitated. Because proximity to Jesus does not automatically mean intimacy.
So often, our understanding of God is shaped by what we've absorbed over time—what we were taught, what we experienced, what others modeled for us. And without noticing, we begin to believe stories that aren't true.That God is distant. That He is easily disappointed. That love must be earned. That holiness requires perfection.
But Jesus does not leave us guessing. He tells us who He is: I am the Light of the World. I am the Bread of Life. I am the Good Shepherd. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life...
Join Blessed is She this Lent to journey with Jesus to Jerusalem in Who Do You Say That I Am? by Debra Herbeck.
This Lenten devotional walks through the "I AM" statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John and is written to lead you out of assumptions and into encounter.
This Lent, let Jesus speak for Himself. And let that truth reshape the way you live.
Whether you've been walking with Jesus for years or you just met Him, drink even more deeply of the truths of who Jesus says He is in Who Do You Say That I Am? Get your women's and kid's devotionals at blessedisshe.net/lent.
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Timestamps: 00:00 Blessed is She
01:30 Intro
02:16 Welcome
03:25 Scripture Verse and Quotes to Ponder
06:13 Repentance Leads to Freedom
07:53 Forgiveness is Hard
09:41 How Do I Forgive When I Don't Have the Capacity?
13:27 Modeling Repentance in Our Lives
17:35 Being Honest with Ourselves Can Be Painful
24:28 Sitting in the Pain and Setting Boundaries
29:34 Reflection Questions on Forgiveness
38:03 One Things