“It is finished,” Jesus declared as He breathed His last breath on the cross, as recorded in John 19:30. With these words, His sacrifice was complete. All sin was atoned for and the relationship between God and humanity restored. There is a weight to these words and this moment, though, that we struggle to fully live into on this side of heaven.

“Forgiveness” is a commonly used and misunderstood word. Many confuse forgiveness with (reluctant) reconciliation, condoning the transgression, or even the simple passage of time until we forget or stop caring. However, forgiveness is more intentional and restorative than moving past or justifying hurt.