“Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Peter asked Jesus. Jesus replied, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” (Matthew 18:21-22).
I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times
Forgiveness—it’s something we all wrestle with. Letting go of hurt isn’t easy. But as hard as it is, forgiveness is one of the most life-giving things we can do, not just for others but for ourselves. Faith has always told us this, and now science is backing it up in tremendous ways.
Forgiveness: Medicine for the Heart
Science has shown that forgiveness has a measurable impact on our bodies. A study published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that people who forgive have lower blood pressure and heart rates when faced with stress (Lawler et al., 2003). Holding onto anger, on the other hand, keeps our bodies in a state of fight-or-flight, which strains the heart and raises the risk of disease.
Dr. Charlotte vanOyen Witvliet, a leading researcher at Hope College, has studied forgiveness for over two decades. Her research shows that forgiveness helps people “interrupt the stress response,” allowing the body to recover from emotional hurt and return to a state of calm. Chronic stress, if left unchecked, is a known contributor to hypertension, heart disease, and depression.
Mental Health: A Reset for the Mind
Beyond the physical, forgiveness has profound benefits for mental health. The Stanford Forgiveness Project, led by Dr. Fred Luskin, revealed that individuals who practice forgiveness experience reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Participants in the study also reported increased happiness and greater satisfaction with life.
But here’s the thing. Forgiveness doesn’t mean pretending the hurt didn’t happen, nor does it mean excusing someone’s behavior. It’s about choosing to let go of the bitterness and making space for healing. It’s an act of courage, and sometimes, it takes time.
A Pathway to Peace
In our Catholic faith, forgiveness is woven into everything we believe. It’s why we pray, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” It’s why we have the Sacrament of Reconciliation, a space to let go of what’s weighing us down and experience the healing power of God’s unconditional mercy towards us.
As you reflect on any grudges you may be carrying, remember this– forgiveness is as much a gift to yourself as it is to others. It’s a prescription for a healthier and more peaceful life, validated by both the Sacred Scriptures and the Empirical Science.
Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
References:
1.Lawler, K. A., Younger, J. W., Piferi, R. L., et al. (2003). The unique effects of forgiveness on health: An exploration of pathways. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 26(5), 401-413.
2.Inoue, T., et al. (2012). Chronic inflammation and forgiveness: Implications for health and disease prevention. University of California Research Bulletin.
3.Luskin, F. M. (2002). Forgive for Good: A Proven Prescription for Health and Happiness. Stanford Forgiveness Project, Stanford University Press.
