Forgiveness is a clear command from Christ and a reflection of the love and grace we have received from God (Matthew 6:14-15). However, living with someone who continues to hurt and harm us repeatedly is not an obligation imposed by faith. The Bible teaches us to forgive seventy times seven (Matthew 18:21-22), but it also calls us to act wisely and seek peace. In Proverbs 22:3, we are warned that “a prudent man foresees trouble and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished.” Thus, we must be prudent in our relationships, avoiding situations that could cause us continued pain and distress.

Jesus, while forgiving, did not subject Himself to situations of continued mistreatment. He withdrew when He knew that His actions could result in immediate danger (John 8:59). Likewise, Paul instructs us in Romans 12:18, “If possible, as much as depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” This implies that, although peace is desirable, it is not always possible to maintain it, especially with those who insist on hurting us.

Repeatedly submitting ourselves to suffering is not part of God's plan for us. Forgiveness is essential and liberating, but continuing to live with someone who persists in causing us pain can be foolish. In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Paul warns against those who have a form of godliness but deny its power, and instructs us to distance ourselves from such people. We must preserve our peace and well-being by avoiding abusive and destructive relationships, while continuing to demonstrate the love and mercy that Christ taught us. True forgiveness does not require us to put ourselves in situations of continuous hurt and suffering, but frees us to live in peace and prudence, reflecting divine wisdom in our lives.

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