What does it mean to flourish through forgiveness? In this week’s episode of Biblical Wisdom for Flourishing, Dr. Victor Counted unpacks how forgiveness is not just a moral obligation but a pathway to healing, wholeness, and freedom.
Drawing from both Scripture and psychological science, Dr. Counted explores how forgiveness breaks the cycle of hurt. He reflects on Joseph’s experience with sibling betrayal and how he forgave his brothers, showing how releasing resentment creates space for healing and restoration. Psychology mirrors this virtue: decades of research all supporting the salutory effects of forgiveness, increasing things like hope, reduces stress, lowers depression, improves physical health, supports well-being, increases gratitude, and general sense of flourishing.
Dr Counted had a special guest this week — Dr Everett Worthington Jr. — leading pioneer of the forgiveness science research and clinical psychologist. Dr Worthington and Dr Counted discussed the REACH Forgiveness Model to show how one can practice and apply forgiveness in your own life:
R = Recall the hurt. Healing begins by facing the fact that you were wronged. Choose not to be bitter or vindictive, but to make the conscious decision to forgive.
E = Empathize with the offender. Step into the other person’s shoes, even imagining a dialogue with them. This opens the door to empathy, sympathy, or compassion.
A = Altruistic gift. Forgiveness is a gift, given freely just as we have been forgiven by others—and by God.
C = Commit. Write it down: “Today I forgave [name the person that has wronged you].” This strengthens your resolve.
H = Hold onto forgiveness. Return to that note when doubts creep in. Remind yourself you’ve already chosen freedom over bitterness.
The episode reminds us that forgiveness is not about forgetting or excusing wrongdoing. It’s about releasing the heavy emotion of bitterness so that life can flow again. Whether healing relationships or reclaiming personal peace, forgiveness opens the door to flourishing.
Watch the full episode above to learn how practicing forgiveness can transform your life!
