Has someone wronged you? Are you carrying a grudge over actions some did or did not take? Or, did you do something for which you cannot forgive yourself? Forgiveness is about self-healing. It is about letting go of the pain you are experiencing, and about experiencing freedom again.
You see, the more hurt you retain, the more you dwell on it, and the more burdened you become. Forgiveness does not mean that the other person did not do what they did. Rather, it means you acknowledge the wrong done to you, incorporate the hurt into your life as part of your story, and then move on with your life. In other words, by extending forgiveness, you will begin to feel better.
Psychology Today has this to say of forgiveness:
“Forgiveness is the release of resentment or anger. Forgiveness doesn’t mean reconciliation. One doesn’t have to return to the same relationship or accept the same harmful behaviors from an offender.
“Forgiveness is vitally important for the mental health of those who have been victimized. It propels people forward rather than keeping them emotionally engaged in an injustice or trauma. Forgiveness has been shown to elevate mood, enhance optimism, and guard against anger, stress, anxiety, and depression.”
Let us look at the ultimate example of forgiveness found in Luke 23:34: “And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”” He was about to die by crucifixion; crucifixion being the most horrible type of death man has devised. That is the level of forgiveness to which we endeavor.
