Times are approaching where sharing with loved ones is a very special moment. Learn about the most powerful tool in the following article.

"Let the wicked forsake their ways and the unrighteous their thoughts. Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon." Isaiah 55:7

The holidays are approaching, times of gathering and family togetherness. In the midst of these special occasions, a powerful tool emerges: forgiveness.

Forgiveness is a precious jewel, a gift bestowed by God in our walk. It is a fundamental principle for emotional health, a path to freedom and a prerequisite for a fulfilling spiritual life. 

When we utter the words "I forgive you", ideally, it is done from the conviction of freeing ourselves from resentment. It is a liberating act, an opening to reconciliation. To say "I forgive you" is to build a bridge to reconciliation, an opportunity to restore balance and harmony.

"Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven." James 5:14-15

Genuine forgiveness, as taught by our Heavenly Father, involves giving affection through this gift of opening our heart. It manifests itself in attentiveness, sensitivity, commitment and solidarity toward the one who has hurt our feelings.

Affection knows no limits; we can be generous and overflow with love, for it leaves an indelible mark on the soul.

Forgiveness is non-negotiable: it is accepted and infinitely valued, because it implies that the other person has broken down walls, has lowered his or her defenses and is willing to look at us with eyes of love and mercy.

Forgiveness is an act of conviction and deep emotional maturity. It is saying to the other: "I am here, I want you back in my life". To forgive and to be forgiven is an extraordinary courage that puts us back on the path of the Holy Spirit.

"Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses." Acts 13:38-39

In the midst of the gifts, festive food and decorations, there is a glimpse of a unique opportunity to give the gift of forgiveness and receive it. It is a time to settle differences, set aside past disagreements and renew the spirit to welcome the new year with a clean and renewed heart.

Forgiveness is not only an act between two people, but also a form of self-healing. It is freeing oneself from the shackles of the past and allowing oneself to move forward into a future filled with renewed hope and opportunity. This process not only opens the door to a better version of oneself, but also creates an environment conducive to reconciliation and the rebuilding of inner peace.

During these holidays, forgiveness is presented as the key piece that unites families, restores fractured friendships and provides the possibility of a new beginning.

It is an invaluable tool that, if used with sincerity and understanding, can transform lives and pave the way for a more prosperous and serene future.

"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." Matthew 18:21-22

When we forgive, we trust and believe. It is not a leap of faith, but a leap of hope sustained by the evidence of change in the other person. It is not a matter of pointing fingers and criticizing, but of recognizing the positive actions that the forgiven person is generating. This is the true basis of forgiveness.

When both parties decide to reconcile through forgiveness, they commit to nurturing love, changing habits and becoming the best version of themselves. But before granting forgiveness, it is crucial to reflect.

Forgiveness implies learning from the experience, focusing on the lesson learned instead of nurturing resentment, which only brings out our worst version, keeping us away from the Lord's path.