We all have flaws. We make mistakes in relationships, we wrong others, offend friends, family, and even our colleagues. The wrongs we do tend to lead to strife, disagreements, sense of betrayal and disloyalty, and sorrow. Forgiveness is part of every human’s life, although some people may want to suggest that God is the final giver of forgiveness. We humans can also forgive one another too. Forgiving another person can help you avoid bitterness and resentment and in most cases, it helps in salvaging a relationship.
Simple understanding of forgiveness
Forgiveness does not mean that you should tolerate mediocrity and wrongdoing
Reaching a point of true forgiveness does not mean that you should accept that what another person did is okay with you when it is not.
Forgiving does not mean that you should forget what happened.
Forgiving is eliminating the negativity that results from the hurt by accepting to let go of the emotional feeling.
Why should you forgive
Let’s face it, as much as forgiving someone feels comforting, make no mistake about it; we do not forgive for the other person; we forgive for our own sake. Here are reasons why we have to forgive:
It is for own good and happiness
Forgiveness gives us the chance to let go of the pain, hurt, anger and resentment. If you hold on to these things, you will only be hurting yourself, your soul will never be at peace and you will not be happy especially when you think about what the other person did to you. In other words, it will only hurt you more than it does to the offender.
It enables us to live in the present and the future
When you are wronged or aggrieved, this is something that happened in the past and dwelling on it will only keep you living in the past and missing what is happening now and the beauty of the future.
It gives you the power to move on
Although it may seem difficult, forgiving another person gives you the power to move on without contempt, anger or revenge. Anger and revenge are the fruits of an unforgiving heart and this only affects and brings you down.
It enables you to regain your personal power
The anger, hatred, resentment and regret that builds up after being wronged and not forgiving the person who wronged you, simply means that you are giving up your power of control to that person. That person will be controlling your feelings and willpower. Therefore, forgiving that person gives you back the power to control your feelings.
Forgiveness gives you the ability to let go of the things that might affect your physical and mental health. Bitterness and resentment can affect your emotions, your mental health, immune system and even your physical health. Learn to forgive no matter how hard it may seem to be.
