The Hardest Yes: Forgiveness

When Erika Kirk stood in her grief and said, “I forgive him,” about the man who stole her husband’s earthly life, we wept. We didn’t just tear up — we sobbed. Christian women everywhere felt it deep in our bones. Because as women, we are the guardians of our husbands’ hearts and homes. And in that moment, we ached with her. And then, together, we resolved to step into the gap for Erika, to lift her in prayer and hold her arms up when her own strength was gone.

That kind of forgiveness shakes heaven and earth. It’s not natural. It’s not easy. It’s not even possible without Jesus. And yet — she did it. She resolved. She spoke the words out loud. She made the choice. She declared him forgiven, even if her heart wasn’t ready to feel it yet. Not because she excused evil, but because she trusted the Righteous Judge with the gavel.

Most lifetimes will never face that kind of darkness. Few of us will ever stare into evil at that scale. But every one of us knows the sting of betrayal, the pain of being wounded, or the silence of never receiving an apology. And let’s be real — forgiving when the scar still burns may be one of the hardest acts of obedience God ever asks of us.

We’ve all had to walk this road.  Again, and again. And I’ve learned something: bitterness has a way of tugging on your sleeve, whispering, “Pick me back up.” But I’ve learned to reply, “No. I already forgave. I already laid it at His feet. I will not carry it again.” And let me tell you — that doesn’t come without daily battles. Some mornings it’s a fight to keep that decision nailed down. But grace meets me there, every time.

Forgiveness doesn’t dismiss the wrong. It doesn’t let injustice slide. What it does is hand the burden back to God — the only one who sees all, knows all, and never misjudges. The cross proved it: sin gets dealt with fully and mercy gets offered freely.

So, if you’re wrestling with a wound that feels too deep, or an offense that feels unforgivable, I want to tell you this: don’t look inside yourself for the strength. You won’t find it there. Look upward. Lean on the Spirit. Remember the debt Jesus canceled for you and let His mercy spill through you.

Because forgiveness isn’t weakness. It’s warfare. 🔥

Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Luke 23:34 – “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

🌸 Free Resources on Forgiveness

If Erika’s story and this message stirred something in you, don’t walk this road alone. Here are some free resources to worship, study, and soak in truth about forgiveness:

🎶 Worship Songs

📖 Bible Studies & Devotionals

🎧 Podcasts & Messages

👉 These are all free. Share them with a friend, pray through them, sing them out loud, let them minister to you. Forgiveness isn’t easy, but you don’t have to walk it alone.

Xo,

Dede