By Vivian Prempeh

Forgiveness is one of the most powerful forces available to us as human beings, yet it is often the least understood. We speak passionately about justice, fairness, and accountability, but rarely do we speak with the same conviction about mercy, compassion, and release. And yet, forgiveness is the very thing that frees us — not just from others, but from ourselves.

Forgiving someone who has hurt you is not easy. In fact, it may be one of the hardest emotional mountains you will ever climb. But when you reach the top, something extraordinary happens: the bitterness dissolves, the heaviness lifts, and your heart becomes light again. Forgiveness restores peace. It restores dignity. It restores the flow of love that is essential for a joyful, meaningful life.

Life has a way of teaching us lessons — sometimes gently, sometimes painfully. If we pay attention, these lessons can transform us. I learned this firsthand.

For years, I misunderstood forgiveness. I thought it meant pretending — smiling through the pain, speaking kindly while bitterness sat like a stone in my stomach. I couldn’t understand how my offender could do what they did. I felt justified in my anger.
After all, “I would never do something like that. I’m too caring, too conscientious, too God‑fearing.”
In my mind, there was no explanation that could justify their actions.

Time softened the bitterness, but not my perspective. Then life humbled me. I found myself in a situation where, under slightly different circumstances, I could have caused someone the same pain that once nearly broke me. I chose differently — but the experience opened my eyes. It taught me that we are all human, all flawed, all capable of hurting others even when we don’t intend to.

That moment was my awakening. Suddenly, the old sayings became real:
“When you forgive others, you free yourself.”
“Never judge another.”
“Work out your own salvation.”

These weren’t just proverbs anymore — they were truths that reshaped my life.

Many people don’t truly understand forgiveness or the freedom it brings. In many African and AfroGlobal households, especially among the older generation, forgiveness is often seen as weakness or surrender. But in reality, forgiveness is strength. It is courage. It is emotional liberation.

Forgiveness does not excuse the offence. It does not erase the past. What it does is release you from the emotional prison built by pain. It allows you to reclaim your joy, your peace, and your power.

So ask yourself: Is there someone you need to forgive? Is there something you need to release?
Forgiveness may not change the past, but it will absolutely transform your future.

A Practical Path to True Forgiveness

1. Understand what forgiveness really is

Forgiveness is not a performance. It is not simply saying “I forgive you.” It is an internal shift — a decision to release the emotional weight you’ve been carrying.

2. Accept that everyone is different

People act from their own wounds, histories, and limitations. Understanding this doesn’t excuse the behavior, but it helps you stop taking it personally.

3. Release your offender

Give them the benefit of the doubt — not to justify the offence, but to free yourself from the burden of resentment. Recognise that you, too, are capable of hurting others. This humility opens the door to compassion.

When you forgive, you reclaim your life. You become lighter, freer, and more open to love, joy, and growth. Forgiveness is not just an act — it is a journey toward becoming the highest version of yourself.

If we, as individuals, learn to forgive, then as a community — and as a global AfroGlobal nation — we can begin to heal, unite, and rise. True transformation begins within.