Why do superheroes still capture our imagination?
From Spider-Man to Wonder Woman to Superman, we’re drawn to extraordinary abilities — strength beyond limits, vision beyond sight, power that changes the world.
But what if the greatest superpower isn’t found in comic books?
What if the most life-changing power available to you is forgiveness?
The Bible presents forgiveness not as weakness, but as extraordinary spiritual strength. It is the power to release resentment, to break cycles of bitterness, and to walk in freedom. And it is available to every believer through Jesus Christ.
A Different Kind of Power
Near the end of His earthly life, Jesus was arrested, beaten, mocked, and crucified. In one of the most powerful moments recorded in Scripture, Gospel of Luke 23:34 tells us that Jesus said:
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
In the middle of injustice and unimaginable suffering, He chose forgiveness.
He did not excuse the wrongdoing.
He did not deny the pain.
He extended grace.
That is real power.
What Forgiveness Is — and Isn’t
Forgiveness is often misunderstood.
Forgiveness is not:
- Saying what happened was acceptable
- Pretending you were not hurt
- Trusting someone who remains unsafe
Forgiveness is releasing the debt. It is choosing not to hold onto the offense. It is placing justice in God’s hands instead of replaying the wound over and over in your mind.
Unforgiveness, by contrast, weighs you down. It’s like carrying a backpack filled with rocks. Every offense adds another stone. Over time, the weight grows heavier. Resentment turns into bitterness. Bitterness begins to shape your thoughts, your reactions, even your relationships.
Left unchecked, it becomes spiritual poison.
Why Forgiveness Sets You Free
Forgiveness is powerful because it frees the one who forgives.
As theologian Lewis Smedes wisely said, “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.”
When you forgive:
- You break the cycle of replaying the past.
- You release the desire to control the outcome.
- You untether your future from someone else’s failure.
Author C. S. Lewis once observed, “Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive.” That’s when forgiveness becomes real — and transformational.
Forgiveness doesn’t erase consequences. It doesn’t always restore a relationship. But it restores your freedom.
Forgiveness Is a Choice — and a Process
Jesus’ words from the cross show us that forgiveness is intentional. It is an act of the will empowered by God’s grace.
Sometimes forgiveness happens in a moment.
Often, it unfolds over time.
You may need to pray:
“God, help me to be willing to be willing to forgive.”
That honest prayer opens the door for God to begin healing your heart.
You are not minimizing the injustice. You are not denying the pain. You are surrendering it to the One who judges rightly and heals completely.
Living in the Freedom of Forgiveness
The message of the cross is clear: we have been forgiven much. Through Christ’s sacrifice, grace has been extended to us. In response, we are invited to extend that grace to others.
Is there someone whose name immediately comes to mind?
Is there a hurt you keep revisiting?
Is there resentment quietly shaping your attitude?
You do not have to carry it any longer.
Forgiveness is not weakness.
It is not surrender.
It is not losing power.
It is spiritual strength.
Through Jesus Christ, forgiveness becomes the superpower that breaks chains, lifts burdens, and sets hearts free. And when God activates that power in your life, it changes not only your relationships — it changes you.