Being able to truly express to the offender, as well as to ourselves, that we have forgiven them for the wrong they committed against us, can be a wonderful experience in and of itself. Jesus teaches us in the Bible to forgive others. “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”- Matt. 6:14 NIV
Photo source: Magda Ehlers
While it may be easy to hold onto a grudge, letting the hurt go can significantly improve our lives. On the other hand, forgiving is not always simple, particularly when the person who injured us has not apologized. The good news is that even if it does not come easily, forgiveness can be learned and practiced just like any other ability.
People experience less pain, rage, tension, and sadness when they learn to forgive. Additionally, when we are able to forgive, we develop greater capacities for compassion, hope, and optimism. Forgiveness also boosts vitality and general well-being. The ability to forgive frees us to move on in life. Below are some importance of forgiving others.
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Forgiving frees us from victimhood
The links that hold us in a bad way to another person are broken by forgiveness. We seldom forget while also forgiving. We could choose to forget about something someone did to us after forgiving them. After all, that is our decision. The question is whether we will ever be able to trust the person who wronged us or the situation again.
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We forgive ourselves when we forgive others
It is not simply about what someone has done to us that causes us to harbor resentment. It concerns what we have permitted to happen to us. We occasionally have little control over what occurs to us in a relationship because we are merely doing what we are doing. Unless they tell us, we often do not realize when someone is resentful of us or upset with us. They frequently do not until things reach a breaking point. However, the finest thing we can do to relieve ourselves from the shame and pain caused by others’ wrongdoing is to forgive them.
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Moving forward on our spiritual path is made possible by forgiveness
Compassion is fostered by forgiveness. As a result of the human experience, we can relate to others when we have the same compassion for ourselves and for others. We may start to put the past behind us once we are both emotionally and psychologically free. Forgiveness is an act of kindness and goodness as it leads to our spiritual growth and is also a path to peace.
