Let’s be real—forgiveness is tough. When someone betrays your trust, says something hurtful, or lets you down, the anger and frustration can feel impossible to shake. It’s like carrying a heavy backpack filled with all the times people have wronged you. But here’s the thing: holding onto that weight doesn’t hurt them—it hurts you.
Forgiveness isn’t about saying what happened was okay or pretending it didn’t hurt. It’s about choosing your peace over their mistake. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines forgiveness as “to cease to feel resentment against an offender.” But in real life, it’s deeper than that. It’s about letting go of the bitterness that ties you to the pain. And yeah, that’s easier said than done, especially when you’re still feeling the sting of what happened.
But think about it—when you hold onto grudges, who’s really suffering? The person who hurt you has probably moved on while you’re stuck replaying the situation in your head. Forgiveness isn’t for them; it’s for you. It’s about freeing yourself from that emotional baggage to live lighter, happier, and more at peace.
In today’s world, where social media beefs and cancel culture are everywhere, we feel encouraged to cut people off at the first sign of trouble. And sometimes, cutting ties is necessary for your mental health. But other times, holding onto anger just builds walls between you and the people who matter. Forgiveness can break down those walls, fostering empathy and deeper connections. It doesn’t mean you forget, but you’re choosing growth over grudges.
Even spiritually, forgiveness plays a huge role. The Bible says in Matthew 6:14, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Whether or not you’re religious, that’s a powerful reminder: letting go gives you freedom.
Read: Turning disappointment into growth
Forgiveness is one of the most powerful tools you have. It’s not weakness—it’s strength. It’s saying, “I’m not going to let this define me.” It’s self-care in its truest form. And when you finally let go, you’ll feel it: the weight lifts, the pain softens, and healing begins.
Written by Kabelo Milton.
The views expressed herein are those of the writer and not I Am Youth.
I Am Youth web radio is the go-to platform for today’s young adults. Our team of young, charismatic influencers is based in South Africa. We produce high-quality content on TikTok social media and YouTube. Our primary goal is to infiltrate the spaces that young people already occupy.
