Forgiveness Is Love in Action

Many of us use the word “love” casually in everyday conversations.

Whether we’re talking about food, a fun hobby, a vacation suite or a stylish outfit, we often throw the word around without really considering its depth.

But how often do we pause to reflect on what we truly mean when we say we love something or someone?

For instance, when I tell my mom I love her, I certainly don’t mean it in the same way as when I say I enjoy solving crossword puzzles or grabbing ice cream with friends.

While I might deeply appreciate those things, that kind of love is more on the surface compared to the kind of love described in the Bible.

Scripture speaks extensively about love, and one of its most profound messages is this:

And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’

The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these. “

Mark 12:30-31

This kind of true, deep love goes beyond just warm feelings—it requires effort and commitment.

Loving a vanilla cupcake, for example, doesn’t take any work at all.

In reality, that kind of love is all about me—how the cupcake tastes, how it makes me feel, and what I get out of it.

But the love described in the Bible isn’t self-centered; it’s about others, their well-being, and how I can show them they are truly valued.

People, unlike cupcakes, are complex and imperfect.

We all carry our own struggles and challenges into our relationships, making real love a choice we have to practice every day.

Why forgive?

“Forgiveness is difficult. Why should I even try?”

Often, the truth is that refusing to forgive weighs even heavier.

Refusing to forgive can keep wounds open and prevent true healing.

I’ve heard many stories and witnessed real-life examples of incredible forgiveness, but some of the most powerful ones involve parents and families who have lost loved ones to violence.

How amazing!

And believe me, nothing expresses love more powerfully than forgiveness.

After all, most people in our world don’t question whether love is important—we generally agree that we should love others, even those we disagree with.

But where we often struggle is understanding what love actually looks like in specific situations.

Love can be seen in how we meet others’ needs, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual.

It can also be expressed through quality time spent together.

Both are meaningful ways to show love, and it’s hard to imagine love without them.

But one of the clearest and most powerful indicators of love is forgiveness, choosing to work through pain and offense to genuinely forgive.

A powerful example of this is found in Luke 7:47.

One day, while Jesus was dining at the home of a religious leader, a woman with a troubled past entered and began anointing His feet and washing them with her tears.

The host was shocked that Jesus would allow such a person near Him.

But Jesus corrected him, explaining that her deep love came from the immense forgiveness she had received.

I tell you, her sins—and they are many—have been forgiven, so she has shown me much love. But a person who is forgiven little shows only little love. “

Luke 7:47

Jesus, the creator of human relationships, understood that true forgiveness is a foundation for love.

He directly connects the depth of forgiveness to the depth of love.

While we often measure love in various ways, Jesus highlights forgiveness as a key marker of genuine love.

To truly forgive, there must first be an acknowledgment of the pain or wrongdoing.

This means recognizing the hurt, expressing it, and having honest conversations about it.

Only then can forgiveness be meaningful and bring healing. And with healing comes restoration, strengthening love in the process.

Forgiveness is one of the hardest virtues to develop, but in the end, it offers more to the forgiver than to the one being forgiven.

It frees the heart from resentment and brings peace.

Take a moment to reflect—where in your life is forgiveness needed?

Maybe it’s time to release anger or resentment, even toward yourself.

Picture the part of you that’s hurting, and gently speak to it with kindness.

“I know you were hurt. You had every reason to feel that way. But I love you, and it’s time to let go of the pain. I will keep loving you until you feel whole again.”

Practice this each time the hurt resurfaces, and watch as the burden lifts.

You’ll know you’ve truly forgiven when you can genuinely wish the other person well—when you want them to succeed and find joy.

That is a shift toward a higher perspective, one that reflects divine love.

Forgiveness isn’t just about what you do externally; it’s also about transforming your heart and mindset.

Keep walking in love, following Christ’s example.

Maranatha!