Forgiveness is a virtue that most people appreciate and recognize as essential to healthy emotional living.

It is also a central theme in the teachings of the Bible. From the stories of reconciliation in the Old Testament to the radical forgiveness exemplified by Jesus, the Bible offers many profound insights into the transformative power of letting go of resentment and embracing forgiveness. As such, the concept of and need for forgiveness is woven throughout the pages of the Bible, highlighting its significance in the human experience.

But, is there a tangible benefit to forgiveness beyond its altruistic qualities and spiritual comfort?

In fact, there is.

Empirical research has consistently demonstrated that forgiveness is not only a spiritual virtue but also a key ingredient for mental health and effective addiction recovery. From a psychological standpoint, the benefits of forgiveness are well-documented. Research has shown that holding onto grudges and harboring resentment can have detrimental effects on mental health, contributing to various stress-related disorders.

One study published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology by McCullough, Bono, and Root (2007) explored the effects of holding grudges and found that unforgiveness is linked to negative emotional states, including depression and anxiety. This led researchers to conclude that people who engage in rumination and harbor resentment are more likely to experience these mental health issues. Conversely, practicing forgiveness has been associated with greater psychological well-being, including lower levels of anger, hostility, and emotional distress.

Numerous empirical studies support this connection.

For instance, research published in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine found that individuals who are more forgiving tend to experience lower levels of stress and better mental health outcomes. Worthington, Witvliet, Pietrini, and Miller (2007) discovered that people who practice forgiveness report fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety, and hostility, and they experience higher overall psychological well-being.

Research has also demonstrated that forgiveness is a key factor in effective addiction recovery. Addiction often stems from unresolved trauma, emotional pain, and relational conflict, leading individuals to numb their feelings or escape through substance abuse or compulsive behaviors. This is why effective recovery requires one to address the underlying issues that drive their addictive behaviors, which often involves forgiving oneself and others for past hurts and betrayals.

Additionally, forgiveness plays a critical role in breaking free from the power of shame and self-destructive behaviors.

By acknowledging past mistakes and releasing the burden of guilt and resentment, individuals can experience a sense of freedom and renewal. This is why twelve-step programs emphasize the importance of making amends and seeking forgiveness as part of the recovery process, recognizing that healing from addiction requires addressing the spiritual and relational dimensions of one’s life.

Finally, worth consideration is the impact forgiveness can have on one’s relationships.

Recognize that forgiveness not only benefits you but also has a positive effect on your interpersonal connections. When you practice forgiveness, you often experience improved communication, increased empathy, and a greater ability to resolve conflicts in a constructive manner. This can help foster stronger, more meaningful relationships, as forgiveness increases understanding and compassion—essential elements for healthy and thriving connections.

This is especially relevant to those in recovery, as the need for meaningful connection is essential to mental and emotional health and leads to greater resilience.

As we’ve been discussing in recent weeks, forgiveness, community, and devotional practices are all spiritual imperatives consistently emphasized in the Bible. However, they are also multifaceted concepts that offer profound benefits for mental health, recovery efforts, and interpersonal relationships. These ‘spiritual practices’ are not merely arbitrary measures of faith-filled submission. Instead, they are gifts from God intended to improve our lives, leading to greater peace, joy, and personal fulfillment.

By the way, if you enjoyed this post, sign up for our newsletter to get content like this sent directly to your inbox once per week with no strings attached.

References:

Worthington, E. L., Witvliet, C. V. O., Pietrini, P., & Miller, A. J. (2007). Forgiveness, health, and well-being: A review of evidence for emotional versus decisional forgiveness, dispositional forgivingness, and reduced unforgiveness. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 30(4), 291-302.

McCullough, M. E., Bono, G., & Root, L. M. (2007). Rumination, emotion, and forgiveness: Three longitudinal studies. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 26(1), 1-34.

GET OUR 10 DAY FREEDOM FROM PORN ACTION PLAN

Sign up and get our free plan to help you break free from porn use and start living the life you were meant to live.

First Name*

Email*

What best describes you?*

What’s best describes you? I want to quit looking at porn and don’t know where to begin. I’ve tried everything to stop looking at porn and feel powerless. I know I need help, but I also know I need someone else to help me. I just need to get past my shame and closer to God. I'm trying to help my husband or boyfriend stop looking at porn. None of these describe me.

Get Your 10 Day FREE Action Plan