Forgiveness is a decision to let go of resentment and thoughts of revenge. The act that hurt or offended you might always remain a part of your life, but forgiveness can lessen its grip on you and help you focus on other, positive parts of your life. Forgiveness can even lead to feelings of understanding, empathy and compassion for the one who hurt you.
Forgiveness doesn't mean that you deny the other person's responsibility for hurting you, and it doesn't minimize or justify the wrong. You can forgive the person without excusing the act. Forgiveness brings a kind of peace that helps you go on with life.
What are the effects of holding a grudge?
When you're hurt by someone you love and trust, you might become angry, sad or confused. If you dwell on hurtful events or situations, grudges filled with resentment, vengeance and hostility can take root. If you allow negative feelings to crowd out positive feelings, you might find yourself swallowed up by your own bitterness or sense of injustice.
If you're unforgiving, you might pay the price repeatedly by bringing anger and bitterness into every relationship and new experience. Your life might become so wrapped up in the wrong that you can't enjoy the present. You might become depressed or anxious. You might feel that your life lacks meaning or purpose, or that you're at odds with your spiritual beliefs. You might lose valuable and enriching connections with others.
What are the benefits of forgiving someone?
Letting go of grudges and bitterness can make way for compassion, kindness and peace.
Forgiveness can lead to: Healthier relationships, greater spiritual and psychological well-being, less anxiety, stress and hostility, lower blood pressure, fewer symptoms of depression and a lower risk of alcohol and substance abuse.
How do you reach a state of forgiveness?
Forgiveness is a commitment to a process of change.
Pray and ask God to help you to forgive.
Be Transformed by the Renewing of Your Mind.
Consider the value of forgiveness and its importance in your life at a given time. Reflect on the facts of the situation, how you've reacted, and how this combination has affected your life, health and well-being. Actively choose to forgive the person who's offended you. Tell yourself that it's not worth the damage it is doing to you.
As you let go of grudges, you'll no longer define your life by how you've been hurt. You might even find compassion and understanding.
About the Author
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| Brenda Petty |
In the year 2000, Brenda Petty accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savoir. She is married with two kids and three grand kids.
She believes that Jesus is the only way to the Father and a strong relationship with our God in heaven is vital to being victorious in this life and the life to come.
Her mission is to serve God by bringing people to Jesus and helping them to be ready to go with him when He comes back to receive us into his kingdom, for eternity.
My the Lord bless you and keep you;
and be gracious to you;
and give you peace.
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