17 February 2025_IGNITE YOUR DAY: Rising Above: Overcoming the Fear of Being Hurt Again

IGNITE YOUR DAY: Rising Above: Overcoming the Fear of Being Hurt Again 

Key Text:

Matt 6:14-15: 14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

This week, our focus is on living in the freedom of forgiveness.
So far, we've explored various aspects of forgiveness—walking through life's hurts, frustrations, pain, rejection, and betrayal. And despite it all, we have affirmed: Yes, we need to heal and truly live.

This week, we will learn how to enjoy the freedom that comes with forgiveness.
If you desire a life unshackled—a life no longer bound by pain, regret, or guilt—a life filled with joy and peace—then this message is for you.

Rising Above: Overcoming the Fear of Being Hurt Again
Our key scripture today comes from Matthew 6:14–15 (NKJV):
"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

Many struggle to forgive, not because they don’t want to, but because they fear being hurt again.
Have you ever thought:
"If I forgive, what if they hurt me again?"
"If I let go, won’t that make me vulnerable?"

These thoughts, though seemingly logical, can trap us in a cycle of fear and pain. The truth is, unforgiveness doesn’t protect us—it imprisons us.

The Silent Prison of Fear
The fear of being hurt again is a silent prison.
Proverbs 29:25 (NKJV) says:
"The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe."

Fear traps us, keeps us guarded, and builds walls that isolate rather than protect. Unforgiveness does not shield our hearts—it locks them away.

Are you letting fear control your heart?
Or will you rise above it and step into the peace of the Lord?

Forgiveness Is Not a Guarantee Against Pain
Many hesitate to forgive because they believe it will prevent future pain. But forgiveness is not a guarantee that you won’t be hurt again. Even Jesus, while suffering on the cross, prayed:
"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do." (Luke 23:34)

Forgiveness is not an approval of the wrong done to you.
It is not a dismissal of justice.
It is not a promise that pain will never return.

Forgiveness is a choice to let go of the poison of bitterness.

How to Make Forgiveness a Way of Life
Colossians 3:13 (NKJV) instructs us:
"Bear with one another, and forgive one another. If anyone has a complaint against another, even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do."

This verse gives no exceptions. Forgiveness is a daily surrender. It requires choosing to pray for those who hurt us, to let go of resentment, and to guard our hearts—not with bitterness, but with wisdom.

So today, I leave you with this challenge:
Will you choose to forgive, even if it means risking future pain?
Will you trust God with your healing and peace?

Forgive, even when it’s hard. Forgive, and leave the rest in God's hands.

May the Lord strengthen you as you rise above fear and walk in the freedom of forgiveness.

Amen.