Unforgiveness Almost Broke Me

A spiritual mentor once told me something that forever changed my life: 

“Alita, you will never go where God is calling you to go if you don’t find complete forgiveness in your heart.”

Those words rocked me, and they still echo in my soul today.

At the time, I was holding on to unforgiveness like armor. I thought I was protecting myself, and I was only punishing myself. I had been hurt deeply, and that hurt turned into resentment toward someone else and, especially, toward myself. I felt only bitterness when I thought of him, and shame when I rehashed my own role in the situation. I believed the lie that if I punished myself long enough, maybe I’d finally be free.

Here’s the thing: forgiveness isn’t about deserving, it’s about releasing. I had to choose to forgive myself and choose to forgive the other person. Neither one was easy. It took time, prayer, and a lot of surrender. Eventually, a two-minute conversation where I asked for forgiveness from him turned out to be what changed everything.

What happened next was nothing short of a miracle. God softened my heart. Over time, I could remember the good. I found myself praying, yes, praying for him. That’s the power of forgiveness!

The resentment was gone. The bitterness was gone.  The shame was gone. And true freedom and living into the purpose God had for me began. You can experience that same freedom!

Where might you have unforgiveness in your heart? 

What has it cost you to harbor it there?

Are you ready to let go and live free?

I invite you to listen to the full episode, “This One Choice Changed Everything: Unforgiveness Almost Broke Me,” to hear more about my journey.

If someone comes to mind who needs to hear this, would you share it with them? Just as my mentor shared the truth lovingly with me, you can be the voice that inspires change in another. We can all walk this healing road together!

I’m wildly cheering you,

Alita