Shouldn’t people just learn to forgive and go on?

on Mar 7, 2026

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I am frustrated with my daughter for her unwillingness to forgive her husband for something that happened years ago. Until she found out about a lie he told, they had one of the best marriages; now it is falling to pieces. Shouldn’t people just learn to forgive and go on? – B.M.

A: It’s not always possible to mend a broken relationship. We must be willing to go the extra mile in an effort to be reconciled with someone; we should pray for them with a sincere heart.

A marvelous example of this is revealed in the life of Joseph. His brothers were jealous of him and sold him into slavery. But as the Old Testament story unfolds in Genesis 50, we see that Joseph did not hold it against them. The Lord used Joseph to save his family and even a whole nation. Because of Joseph’s demonstration of forgiveness, he was blessed by God.

Some people refuse to accept responsibility for what they have done, always blaming someone else for what happened. We cannot force another to have a spirit of forgiveness, but we can demonstrate it by how we react. If we cannot find it in our hearts to forgive family and friends, we will never exhibit this attribute of Christ with others and know God’s blessings. “If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Matthew 6:14, NKJV).

Forgiveness is one of the most beautiful words in the human vocabulary and is best illustrated by God’s forgiveness of sin. When someone sins against us, they bear a terrible guilt. Likewise, when we refuse to forgive a wrong, we become part of the problem. When God’s people practice forgiveness, sweetness replaces harshness.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)