We Need Both to Forgive and to Grieve

Tuesday Thought 4.22.25

Photo by K. Mitch Hodge on Unsplash

Sin creates loss.
The loss needs to be grieved.
The sin against us needs to be forgiven.

We can say the words, “I forgive,” but until we feel the sadness of what’s been lost, we’re not done with the process God has set up for us. 

Conversely, if we are stuck in the sadness and/or anger, we need to actually forgive.
Not condone or excuse, but give up the constant rehearsal of how bad the other person is/was. To trust God, who says, “Vengeance is mine. I will repay.” 

Spiritually effective forgiveness and emotionally constructive grief are interrelated. 
When we are working through those who have hurt us, both are required for emotional and spiritual growth.
 
We will likely need Holy Spirit empowering to grieve and forgive. We can decide, but we don’t have the power, to forgive and grieve life altering sin. 



The Lord bless you and keep you all your days.