Daily Love Tip #13

Forgive Others

from JoeUser Forums
People hurt other people--intentionally or not, it's a fact of life. Holding on to that hurt forces you to carry a load that your body, particularly your heart, was not designed to handle. It robs you of energy that could be used for more positive things--like nurturing your marriage.

Forgiveness is a gift--no strings attached, regardless of whether the offender is repentant or has no remorse. It doesn't mean validating the action or excusing the wrongdoer. It means fully understanding how much you were hurt and choosing to release the offending person in spite of it. It's something you can do fully only through God, because He has done it so freely for you.

FORGIVING OTHERS IS A GIFT YOU GIVE YOURSELF.
615 views 2 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top
I can see what you're saying and it's a nice thought. However, I have found, to my experience, that sometimes forgiving others easily is not the best thing. For instance, I am one who generally forgives people all too quickly, and thus, people somewhat take advantage of that, I feel. Also, sometiemes it makes me angry that people can do as they please and act very selfish and then soon enough, everyone will forget it and forgive them. It's almost as if we should all do anything we want in life and be selfish because everyone will forget it soon enough anyways. I don't like the way that works. I know you didn't mean it in these terms exactly, but I suppose I'm just playing devil's advocate.
Anyways, enjoying the articles.

~Me
Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top
"Also, sometiemes it makes me angry that people can do as they please and act very selfish and then soon enough, everyone will forget it and forgive them. It's almost as if we should all do anything we want in life and be selfish because everyone will forget it soon enough anyways"

Forgiving doesn't mean forgetting, though. While we are to forgive instantly, forgetting and restoring trust, if it ever happens, is a slow going process. Forgiving is for our OWN peace of mind, and has nothing to do with the other person....they don't even have to be aware that they have been forgiven.
Galactic Civilizations IV