Beyond Bad Apologies: Choosing Freedom

We’ve all been there—someone wrongs you, offers a weak apology like “I’m sorry you feel that way,” and you're left holding the emotional baggage. Maybe a self-help podcast told you to demand better words. But what if true healing doesn’t come from their words... but from your heart?

In this world of trendy boundaries and performance apologies, we’re taught that getting someone to say the right thing will somehow restore us. But it rarely does. A forced apology doesn’t change hearts—and it doesn’t guarantee peace. What does? Forgiveness. Radical, unconditional, even uncomfortable forgiveness.

Forgiveness isn't saying, “What you did was okay.” It's saying, “I won’t let what you did control me anymore.” When you choose to forgive, especially without receiving an apology, you choose freedom over fixation. That’s not just emotional growth—it’s spiritual wisdom.

Jesus knew this. In Mark 11:25, He teaches: “When you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them.” He didn’t say, “Wait until they ask.” He didn’t say, “Once they prove they’re sorry.” He simply said—forgive.

Why? Because resentment is like carrying a rotting bag of food. You smell it. Others smell it. It weighs you down, affects your mood, your decisions, your health. And it doesn’t poison the one who hurt you—it poisons you.

People who carry bitterness begin to show it—in their faces, their stress, their energy. But people who forgive? They radiate lightness. Joy. Peace. There’s a magnetic quality to someone who’s truly let go. Not because their life is perfect, but because their spirit is free.

Romans 12:19 reminds us: “Do not take revenge, my dear friends... It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. It’s not our job to serve justice. That belongs to God. Our job? Choose freedom. Choose peace. Choose love.

If someone’s hurt you—maybe a friend, a parent, a coworker—think about what would happen if you just released it. Not for them, but for you. And if you need a new way to respond to a bad apology, try this:
“I appreciate the apology. I hope we can both grow from this.”
Or, “I’m choosing peace, even if we disagree.”
Even just, “I’m letting this go—not because it’s okay, but because I deserve to be free.”

Forgiveness isn’t weakness. It’s spiritual strength. It’s a superpower. And when you choose it, you open yourself to abundance that bitterness could never allow in.

So today, think about that person. That moment. That wound. And then—let it go.