Learning To Forgive

Forgiveness can begin with an honest prayer: “I want to learn.” This tender song makes room for grief, clear boundaries, and the slow work of mercy. It invites us to leave revenge with God while He tends the hurt, one step at a time. Part of The Learning Collection from Hearing Your Echoes of Grace. LYRICS I still remember what was said, The room, the hour, the sting. Some days a small, familiar sound Can bring back everything. I’ve had that conversation A thousand times alone, Found all the words I needed When everyone was gone. I know You call me to forgive. I want to answer You. But there is something underneath I need to tell You too. I’m afraid that letting go Will make the wrong seem small. Lord, help me trust You see the hurt— You haven’t missed it all. I’m learning to forgive. Meet me where it’s hard. I can open up my hands While You tend my wounded heart. Help me leave revenge with You And take the next step free. I’m learning to forgive— Let Your mercy work in me. There’s more than one apology I may not live to hear. And even if the words should come, They won’t return those years. There’s something I must grieve, Lord, Before I can move on: The love I thought would shelter me, The trust that now is gone. You need no painted smile from me, No claim that I’m all right. So here’s the sorrow anger held Through many sleepless nights. I’m learning to forgive. Meet me where it’s hard. I can open up my hands While You tend my wounded heart. Help me leave revenge with You And take the next step free. I’m learning to forgive— Let Your mercy work in me. Joseph wept before the ones Who’d sold his life away. He named the harm, then offered bread— His mercy made a way. And Peter asked how many times Before enough was through. You told of mercy freely given, Then mercy someone wouldn’t do. I’ve stood in need of kindness I could never earn or buy. You met me with an open heart. Let Yours be close to mine. I may need distance. I may need time. I can speak the truth And draw a line. Let wisdom keep The boundaries clear. Let mercy grow Without pretending trust is here. You know the wrong. You know the cost. You see the things That I have lost. I leave with You What judgment sees. Help me wish them healing While You’re healing me. When I retell the story, What am I reaching for? A witness to the wound I bear, Or one repayment more? When those I love come near me, Do they meet an older pain? Lord, help me pause before my hurt Spills over them again. And when the memory rises After I have prayed, Remind me I can come to You And choose again today. I’m learning to forgive. Meet me where it’s hard. I am opening my hands While You tend my wounded heart. Help me leave revenge with You. Let compassion slowly live. With the mercy You have shown me, I’m learning to forgive. The past is still the past. Some tears are falling yet. But here, within Your patient love, I take another step. And when I cannot say, “My heart has made it through,” I can say, “I want to learn.” And bring that prayer to You.