Rung 4 of 6
Rung 4: Healing — forgiveness, inner work and discernment
Last updated November 11, 2026
Healing is the stage where spiritual growth turns inward: facing old hurts, practicing forgiveness and learning to discern which voices to trust. It often feels like going backwards. It is not. It is going deeper.
Paul urges believers to bear with one another and forgive as the Lord forgave them (Colossians 3:13). Forgiveness is the central practice of this rung.
Signs you are on this rung
- Old memories or resentments keep surfacing in prayer.
- You realise some of your habits protect a wound rather than express your faith.
- Prayer that once felt warm now feels dry or quiet.
- You want to know whether a thought, desire or "sign" is from God or from your own fear.
The work of this rung
- Forgiveness: releasing a debt you are owed, as a decision you may need to repeat many times.
- Honest inner work: naming patterns and their roots, with a trusted friend, pastor or counsellor where needed.
- Discernment: learning to test what you hear against scripture, peace and the counsel of wise people.
The common trap on this rung
The trap is trying to heal alone and fast. Healing is rarely a single moment. If a wound is deep, or affects your sleep, relationships or safety, a professional counsellor is part of wise spiritual care, not a lack of faith.
Today's practice: the release prayer. Write the name of one person you resent and what they took from you. Then pray: "I release this debt to you. I choose to stop collecting it." Repeat it whenever the resentment returns. Notice how its weight changes over weeks, not hours.
How you know you are ready for Rung 5
You are ready to move up when your attention shifts from your own healing toward how your gifts could serve others. That is Rung 5: Purpose.