Ep 98, I Didn’t Want to Forgive — Here’s What God Showed Me

Forgiveness can feel impossible after betrayal, abuse, rejection, or divorce. In this deeply personal episode, Dana shares her journey through unforgiveness, bitterness, healing, and the powerful moment God changed her perspective forever. If you’ve struggled with questions like: “How do I forgive someone who never apologized?” “Does forgiveness mean reconciliation?” “Can I forgive someone and still have boundaries?” “Why does forgiveness feel so unfair?” …this episode is for you. Dana shares a moving story from her own healing journey, including the moment God showed her the wounded little boy behind the man who hurt her — and how that revelation became the beginning of true freedom. This episode also unpacks: What forgiveness IS and what it is NOT Why bitterness keeps us emotionally tied to pain The difference between forgiveness, trust, and reconciliation How boundaries can coexist with forgiveness Why healing after divorce takes time The prayer that changed everything: “Lord, help me become willing.” If you’ve been carrying deep pain from divorce, betrayal, childhood wounds, or broken relationships, this conversation will encourage you to take one small step toward healing and freedom. Scriptures Mentioned: Ephesians 4:31-32 Colossians 3:13 Matthew 6:14-15 Mark 11:25 Romans 12:19 Deuteronomy 32:35 2 Thessalonians 1:6 Favorite Quotes from This Episode: “Forgiveness is not permission. It is release.” “You can forgive someone and still have boundaries.” “Sometimes your first step isn’t forgiveness yet. It’s simply praying, ‘Lord, help me become willing.’” “You do not have to build your permanent home inside your pain.” 🎙️ If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone walking through healing after divorce.   We are the fragrance of Christ, Dana   BUY ME COFFEE LINK: If this podcast has encouraged you, you can support my work here ☕💛 It truly helps me keep creating episodes for people healing after divorce. https://ko-fi.com/ribuymecoffeedonations   WEBSITE: www.redeemed-identity.com LINK TREE: https://redeemed-identity.com/links/ SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:   Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/redeemidentity/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@redeemedidentity Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redeemedidentityafterdivorce/#   Amazon:   Healing After Divorce Paperback: https://a.co/d/8mjG6dp   WHERE CAN YOU FIND THE SHOW:   PODCAST: APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/redeemed-identity-after-divorce-christian-divorce-encouragement/id1752761447   YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@RedeemedIdentityAfterDivorce #ChristianPodcast #DivorceRecovery #Forgiveness #HealingAfterDivorce #ChristianHealing #TraumaHealing #RedeemedIdentityAfterDivorce