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?
How do I reach a state of forgiveness?
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 move toward 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?
How do I reach a state of forgiveness?
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 move toward 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 is forgiveness?
Forgiveness means different things to different people. But in general, it involves an intentional decision to let go of resentment and anger.
The act that hurt or offended you might always be with you. But working on forgiveness can lessen that act's grip on you. It can help free you from the control of the person who harmed you. Sometimes, forgiveness might even lead to feelings of understanding, empathy and compassion for the one who hurt you.
Forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting or excusing the harm done to you. It also doesn't necessarily mean making up with the person who caused the harm. Forgiveness brings a kind of peace that allows you to focus on yourself and helps you go on with life.
