Letting go of things that are holding us back is a process. It starts with a recognition that there is something in our lives that needs to be let go: A relationship that has been damaged, shame over sin that has us convinced we cannot be used by God, regret over decisions that we wish we could undo and do over. Whatever it is, the process starts by recognizing our need. But to truly let it go, there are often times when we need to act, make something right, so that we can move on with God’s help.

In David’s case, he had to confess his sin with Bathsheba and ask for God’s forgiveness. When Zaccheus was transformed by God’s grace, he said to Jesus, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” He was willing to make restitution for his actions. Then there was the situation with Paul and Barnabas, where they had such a sharp disagreement over whether to include John Mark in their mission trip that they had to part ways in ministry. 

Letting go can take many forms, but there are times when we must take action to make things right where we can and choose to move forward, rather than living in the pain of the past. Often, this includes forgiving ourselves or those who have hurt us. This may be the most crucial step in moving on from hurt we have experienced.

In Matthew 18: 21, “Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’”

I never understood the significance of this passage until I had been hurt badly. What I wanted was revenge. My pound of flesh. The wounds were deep and the damage excruciatingly painful. But the quiet voice of God kept telling me, “If you want to let go and move forward, you need to forgive.” It took some time but I finally was ready to forgive, but it was not a one time thing. I had to forgive and forgive and forgive and, over time, God started to remove the hurt and the pain and translate my pain into constructive energy. But I understood the words of Jesus here, and to forgive until the need to forgive is no longer present. Then I was free.

Letting go is a journey toward freedom. It starts with our thinking, moves to our heart, is verbalized with our mouths and finally includes whatever action we need to take to bring closure and let it go. Those who are willing to take the journey find personal freedom with the Holy Spirit’s help. Those who refuse the journey because they choose bitterness or loss over forgiveness and opportunity will never experience the amazing life that God designed us for.

Which do you choose today? 

Father, I choose life today. The life You intended me for and that Jesus died for. I don’t want to settle for anything less than what You intended for me and redeemed me for. Help me to take whatever action I need to take today to let go of those things that hold me back so that I can experience Your fullness of life. Amen.