Cracking Open the Gate: A Reflection on Forgiveness
By: Jimmie Aaron Kepler
Forgiveness ain’t easy.
Some wounds settle in deep. They fester in the quiet places—wounds from words spoken in anger, trust broken, friendships faded into silence. And yet, holding on to that pain? That’s like drinking poison and hoping the other person gets sick.
Lately, I’ve found myself doing some soul work. Maybe it’s the season I’m in. Maybe it’s age, maybe it’s God. Or maybe it’s just time. I’ve felt a nudge, soft but steady, to try and fix what I can.
Truth is, some of the breaks in relationships over the years were my fault. I made poor choices. Let pride talk when I should’ve listened. Broke trust with folks I cared about. And I’ve been on the receiving end too—ghosted, betrayed, left out in the cold with no explanation. Sometimes folks walk away and never look back.
But here’s the thing: I’ve started reaching out. Owning my part. Saying the hard “I’m sorry” when needed. Offering olive branches even when I’m not sure they’ll be accepted. I’ve tried to patch up things that are years old—because peace matters more to me now than being right ever did.
More than once, I’ve leaned on the promise in 1 John 1:9:
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
So I start there—with God. I confess. I ask forgiveness. Then I work on forgiving myself. That’s sometimes the hardest part. And once that’s in motion, I circle back to the words that have been echoing in my heart:
Matthew 6:14-15
“If ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Those verses don’t say wait for perfect apologies. They don’t say keep score. They say forgive. Not just for their sake—but for your freedom. For your heart.
So maybe today’s the day to crack that old gate open just a little. Let some light in. Send a text. Write a note. Make a call. They might not respond. But your heart will breathe a little easier knowing you tried.
And that, my friend, is a kind of freedom no one can take from you.
Grace and Peace,
Jimmie
Did you enjoy this article? You can find more of Jimmie Aaron Kepler’s books at Jimmie’s books available in paperback, ebook, audio, and large print
