Sometimes we try to forgive someone for a hurt that has not yet happened, but that we expect. No matter how much we stock up on grace beforehand, it does not make the hurt less painful or forgiveness less necessary.

Healing and growth requires a lot of us. We have to push past the surface and be willing to go to the most painful places. And we bring our community there with us.

Forgiveness isn’t a one-time prayer, nor is it just pretending like everything is okay. What exactly is it?