Articles
Forgiveness: Letting go of grudges and bitterness
What if I have to interact with the person who hurt me but I don't want to?
Content
What is forgiveness?
What are the benefits of forgiving someone?
Why is it so easy to hold a grudge?
What are the effects of holding a grudge?
How do I reach a state of forgiveness?
What happens if I can't forgive someone?
Does forgiveness guarantee reconciliation?
What if the person I'm forgiving doesn't change?
What if I'm the one who needs forgiveness?
What happens if I can't forgive someone?
Forgiveness can be challenging, especially if the person who's hurt you doesn't admit wrong. If you find yourself stuck:
- Practice empathy. Try seeing the situation from the other person's point of view.
- Ask yourself why he or she would behave in such a way. Perhaps you would have reacted similarly if you faced the same situation.
- Reflect on times you've hurt others and on those who've forgiven you.
- Write in a journal, pray or use guided meditation — or talk with a person you've found to be wise and compassionate, such as a spiritual leader, a mental health provider, or an impartial loved one or friend.
- Be aware that forgiveness is a process, and even small hurts may need to be revisited and forgiven over and over again.