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Do I need to forgive people? What is forgiveness anyway? 人って許さなきゃいけないの？てか、「許す」ってどういうこと？
Ever feel completely drained after talking to someone? Or maybe you’ve been hurt by someone and thought, “Do I have to forgive them? And if I do… does that mean we need to be friends again?” That’s a real question from one of our listeners, and today we’re diving into it.
Welcome to Bless Your Mind! Wow—episode 50 already?!
A big thank you to everyone who’s been on this journey with me. We started this podcast after the Noto earthquake to bring more peace to Japan through open conversations on mental health, faith, and encouragement. If life’s been heavy lately, I hope this space feels like a safe place to rest your thoughts.
So—Do I really have to get along with everyone?
Short answer? Nope.
Forgiveness doesn’t mean keeping toxic or painful people in your life. It means releasing the bitterness in your heart so you can heal. It’s not pretending everything’s okay. Even Jesus forgave those who betrayed Him—but He didn’t grab coffee with them afterward.
You can set boundaries and still choose peace.
Some relationships are just not meant to continue, and that’s okay. You can love people from a distance without sacrificing your emotional well-being.
One Bible verse that really helped me is:
“If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” — Romans 12:18
It doesn’t say “be besties with everyone.” It says if possible. And sometimes, it’s just not.
What is forgiveness, really?
It’s often misunderstood. Forgiveness isn’t forgetting or excusing someone’s behavior. It’s not forcing yourself to be friends again. It’s choosing not to carry bitterness anymore. Forgiveness is for your heart, not theirs. It’s your freedom.
Why it matters:
Bitterness can sneak up on us—like carrying a backpack full of emotional bricks. You might not even realize how heavy it is until you put it down.
Even in my own marriage, I’ve had moments where small things upset me—like how my husband loads the dishwasher. But usually, the issue isn’t dishes… It’s something I haven’t let go of yet. Forgiveness is a daily decision.
Encouragement for you:
You don’t have to be friends with everyone.
But don’t let bitterness take up space in your heart.
Choose to fill that space with peace, love, and joy.
This song captures the struggle of forgiveness—how unfair it can feel, and how much we need God’s help to do it.
Lyric highlight:
“Father, forgive them… They don’t know what they’ve been doing. Give me the grace to forgive… I feel like the one losing.”
I get it. Forgiveness feels like losing at first. But it’s actually where healing starts.
You can do this—For your peace, for your freedom! Let’s try to forgive.
Let me know what you think! Leave a comment on whatever platform you’re listening or reading from, or drop me a message through the Google form (orange button “message us” on this page).
I’m still learning how to forgive too. Life is a journey, and we’re in it together.
With love from (still snowy-spring) Sapporo,
Bless your heart, and Bless Your Mind.