By Bro. Allen Lee
Come 21 June 2026, it will mark my first year of retirement. Time truly passes very quickly. I thank God for His abundant blessings throughout the years and for the opportunity to continue serving in His kingdom even after retirement.
Retirement life has turned out to be busier than I expected, with grandparent duties, church teaching assignments, and various other responsibilities. Yet amidst all these, I still try to make time to spend with my beloved wife. Occasionally, I accompany her in watching her favourite Chinese television dramas. Currently, she is following a series called ‘The Iron Lady.’
The drama revolves around a strong-willed woman who, together with her husband, committed many wrongs in their pursuit of power and control over a company. As the story unfolds, some of their children struggled deeply to forgive the hurt and pain caused by their parents’ actions. In a recent episode, the parents finally acknowledged their wrongdoings and sincerely sought forgiveness from their children, who eventually chose to forgive them. It was a touching scene, and it led me to reflect on how meaningful it would be if Christians in real life could also learn to forgive one another, especially within the family.
There are times when pain and disappointment become so deep that bitterness quietly takes root in the heart. Even Christians who know the teachings of God may struggle to forgive when the wounds caused by another person — especially someone close within the family — have lasted for many years.
Some hurts cut especially deep because they come from those whom we naturally expected to love, protect, guide, and care for us. When such expectations are broken through neglect, harshness, irresponsibility, or repeated failures, the emotional wounds may remain long after the moments themselves have passed. Though time moves forward, painful memories can continue to linger quietly within the heart.
When hurt is repeatedly remembered, resentment and bitterness can slowly influence a person’s thoughts, words, and actions. Many may feel justified in holding on to these emotions because of the suffering they experienced. Yet Scripture reminds us that nothing within the human heart is hidden from God. The Lord sees every sorrow, every disappointment, every injustice endured, and also every response formed within us because of those experiences.
The Christian life is not only about knowing God’s commandments, but also about allowing His Word to transform the heart. Forgiveness is one of the most difficult commands because it requires surrendering anger, bitterness, and judgment into God’s hands. Forgiveness does not mean pretending the wrong never happened, excusing sinful behaviour, or denying the pain that was caused. Rather, it means refusing to allow hatred and resentment to take permanent control of the heart.
Our Lord Jesus Christ gave the greatest example of forgiveness while suffering on the cross. Even after being mocked, rejected, beaten, and crucified, He prayed:
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
— Luke 23:34In that moment, Christ demonstrated mercy toward those who wronged Him. His example reminds Christians that forgiveness is not based on whether others deserve it, but on the mercy and grace that God Himself has shown to us.
The Lord also teaches that those who seek God’s forgiveness should likewise learn to forgive others. This does not happen easily or instantly. For some, forgiveness is a long spiritual journey that requires prayer, humility, and continual surrender before God. Yet healing often begins when a person honestly brings their pain before the Lord and asks Him to replace bitterness with peace, hatred with mercy, and woundedness with spiritual healing.
May we all examine our hearts carefully before God. If bitterness, anger, or unforgiveness has quietly taken root within us, may we seek the help of the Lord to overcome these things through faith, prayer, and obedience to His Word. As followers of Christ, may we continually strive to reflect the compassion, mercy, and forgiveness that He first showed toward us.