Monday, February 21, 2011

Forgiveness...continued

It was a great weekend...we went to see our folks, and it is always good to be "home" for a bit!   You are never too old to enjoy being a daughter!   I will post a couple pics later this week!

In my quest to understand forgiveness, of oneself and others, I found some more interesting ideas, articles and thoughts...

Sincere forgiveness isn't colored with expectations that the other person apologize or change. Don't worry whether or not they finally understand you. Love them and release them. Life feeds back truth to people in its own way and time.

When you forgive: Forgive is defined as: giving up resentment against or the desire to punish; stop being angry with; pardon.
  1. You relieve yourself of the burden of the past.  You shed the hurt, pain, anger, and loneliness.  You can begin to heal.
  2. You give the person you forgive (even yourself) the freedom to live in peace and to be able to change for the better.

Points about forgiveness:
  1. Forgiveness is not forgetting.
  2. The pain may not be completely gone.  One can forgive and still grieve a loss or feel pain from a wound. 
  3. Damage and wounds can take time to repair.
  4. Forgiveness does not deny responsibility for behavior.  You have simply committed to not hold the other person in debt.

4 Comments:

joanne said...

I'm having a hard time with the concept of forgiving someone even if they don't ever take responsibility for their actions...

Joanie said...

It is a hard thing to do, I think. I agree totally. Have a great day!

Mental P Mama said...

It's a far better gift to give yourself!

Mac Lover said...

Forgiving someone usually does your own heart much more good than the one you forgive!