Forgiveness After Someone Has Died by Melissa Henderson

Relationships come in all kinds. Family connections, friendships with co-workers or neighbors, or connections with strangers are some ways friendships are found. Conversations can be fruitful or involve disagreements. Have you ever wanted to forgive someone and found that forgiveness was hard to find? Have you ever needed to be forgiven?

I have known several people who were just plain disagreeable. The more I tried to understand their point of view or consider why they may be acting a certain way, the more upset and angry I became. I prayed for the people and prayed for God to help me understand them. Prayers for help in having pleasant conversations and peaceful encounters were in my daily chats with God. These were people I would see often, and peace was needed.

Did I handle my part of the conversations with these people in the best way? Sometimes yes and sometimes no. My anger and disappointment rose to the surface more than once. I could not understand why a person would continue to act in ways that hurt the family.

Then… God. Yes, God brought light into the relationships. We never know when our last day on this earth will be, but God knows. The Heavenly Father opened my eyes, ears, and heart to receive and give grace to the ones who were at fault and to myself for judging.

God was in each relationship the whole time. At the beginning of the turmoil, my heart was not open to forgiving. As time went on and I learned more about the people and their own life experiences, I began to understand their behavior a bit better.

There was no excuse for certain actions. There was the opportunity for me to forgive.

Time went by and the people passed away, one by one. Our relationships had not been repaired. My sorrow over what could have been made me think of how God forgives us when we sin. I tried several times to open the door to conversation, but my efforts were halted.

After those people passed on, I began thinking about the strained relationships and the regrets I have about what could have been.

I asked God to forgive me for my part in any wrongdoing. He forgives me. I asked God to forgive the other people, too. I believe He forgives them as well.

The conversation won’t continue on this earth.

God has taught me how to forgive. In this situation, forgiveness came after the people died. My heart aches that I wasn’t able to reach forgiveness and healing in the relationship before they passed on.

Thank You, God, for Your love and forgiveness. Help me to forgive as You forgive.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32 NIV)

In His Name, Melissa Henderson

Melissa Henderson

Award-winning author Melissa Henderson writes inspirational messages laced with a bit of humor. With stories in books, magazines, devotionals and more, Melissa hopes to encourage readers. Melissa is the author of “Licky the Lizard” and “Grumpy the Gator”. Her passions are helping in community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon and Stephen Minister. Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and at

http://www.melissaghenderson.com