Is it possible to forgive someone, when you can't really forget all the hurt they've caused you? My husband had an affair with someone two years ago, and while I know it's over and our marriage is back on track, I honestly can't say I've forgiven him, or that I ever can. — Mrs. J.S.

Yes, it is possible to forgive someone who has hurt us, even when that hurt has been very deep. I know it probably sounds impossible to you—but with God's help it can happen.

And it not only can happen, but it needs to happen—for few things will damage us more than an unforgiving spirit. Like an infected wound that festers and refuses to heal, an unforgiving spirit destroys our joy and robs us of peace. One reason is because an unforgiving spirit becomes a breeding ground for all kinds of destructive emotions, such as anger, resentment and bitterness. The Bible speaks with sadness of the person who "dies in bitterness of soul, never having enjoyed anything good" (Job 21:25). Do you want that to be true of you? I doubt it.

The key to forgiving others is first to receive God's forgiveness of you. You see, in God's eyes we are all guilty of sin, and we have no right to be forgiven by Him. But God still loves us, and in His grace He offers us the gift of forgiveness through the death of Christ on the cross for us.

Accept God's forgiveness by receiving Christ into your life today. Then ask Him to help you forgive your husband the same way He has forgiven you—freely and fully. No, it isn't easy—but with God's help it can happen. God bless you.