We all have past experiences and have done things in the past we aren’t proud about.

Oftentimes, we wish we could turn back the hands of the clock and make things right—but, that’s impossible. 

Time is supposed to heal. But, how to forgive and heal from past hurts becomes difficult as we can’t let go even as time goes by. 

Holding onto past memories affects your life in many ways: 

• The way you relate with others 
• How you take care of yourselves
• Your motivation to try something new
• Your walk with God
• The pattern of your thoughts
• Your health

However, it doesn’t matter if you were hurt by someone you loved and trusted. All that matters is that you can practice how to forgive and become free from past hurt.

Let’s begin.

How to Forgive and Heal From Past Hurts

Forgiveness and healing are interconnected and brings peace of mind. 

Here are proven steps that has helped me heal from past hurt:

1. Surrender Your Past to Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ is not just your saviour, He is also interested in other aspect of your personal life.

Christ is interested in healing your broken heart. He desires that everything go right with you including your emotions.

Look, it doesn’t matter how hurt you may be, or how shattered your life is right now, Jesus Christ can make all things new and teach you how to forgive.

Therefore if any person is [ingrafted] in Christ (the Messiah) he is a new creation (a new creature altogether); the old [previous moral and spiritual condition] has passed away. Behold, the fresh and new has come!—2 Corinthians 5:17.

In other words, all your pasts are passed away, doesn’t count against you, and behold everything is completely new. 

You now have a new life to begin building again because your past isn’t valid!

The earlier you accept Christ’s healing balm for your life, the faster you get your life together. Remember; 

• You have a life to live
• A home to build
• A purpose to fulfill
• A mandate to deliver
• A problem to solve
• A world to influence positively

Hence, it’s a total waste of time getting tied back by your past.

2. Learn to Forgive Yourself and Those That Hurt You

Learning how to forgive and heal from past hurt begins with forgiving yourself.

Next, you need to forgive those that have hurt you. Don’t just think you’ve forgiven, i recommended you verbalize it aloud with their names.

Unforgiveness is a sin in itself. It prevents you from enjoying intimate fellowship with God, rob’s you of your peace of mind, and leaves you angry with everything and everyone.

Think of how many times we have wronged the Father and He in His infinite mercy has compassion upon us?

God’s spirit lives inside of you, that’s what makes it possible for you to forgive. 

Don’t wait for those who hurt you to come seeking forgiveness, they may never come. But, to get healed from the pain you feel inside you must forgive.

3.  Press Towards a Better Life

You may know how to forgive but, what about forgetting those memories?

It may sound ridiculous to you, however, I assure you that it’s achievable and possible.

Paul, formally known as Saul had a past life when he persecuted the church of Christ, killed and disrupted the spread of the gospel—within him, he was fulfilling the law, sadly in the wrong way. 

Afterward, he had an encounter with the person of Jesus Christ, that marked a change of ideology and mission for him. He was empowered to witness for the person he once persecuted—how tragic that may have been for him and those who knew him before.

Imagine the shame, humiliation, rejection, and mockery he may have received due to his new change. I’m sure he would have struggled with his past each time he went to witness to others and people refused to listen because of his past.

Despite all these, Paul learned how to forgive and was bold to declare;

I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.—Philippians 3:13-14

Adapting Paul’s ideology brings healing faster. Hence, choose to do something that makes your life better every day instead of engaging in self-pity.

4. Get Rid Of Everything That Reminds You of Your Past

Oftentimes, how to forgive will require you to detach yourself from people, things, jobs, and places that remind us of past experiences.

To fully get your life together, don’t be afraid to get rid of whatever you feel reminds you of your past.

This includes close friends who always talk you down, a horrible job with an annoying boss, or an object or place. 

Be determined to break free and live a happy life once again. Your world is waiting to feel your impact!

5. Avoid Staying Alone or Idle

Being idle makes you drift into the past that makes healing from the hurt difficult.

In contrast, get something doing, it could be a skill or engaging in your hobbies—don’t just stay idle.

Most importantly, surround yourself with encouraging friends who want the best for you and always support your dreams.

Final Thoughts on How to Forgive and Heal From Past Hurts

How to get healed from past hurts begins with your rugged determination not to quit. 

Sometimes, it may look like your effort isn’t yielding results, don’t give up. Keep pressing on for a better you by practicing the steps on how to forgive and heal from past hurt.

So, have you been able to forgive yourself and those who hurt you? Share your experience in the comments.