Forgiveness

Forgiveness: A conscious decision to let go of the past and to clear the record of those who have wronged you.

Pardoning those who have wronged you + letting go of anger and resentment = forgiveness

If we are forgiving, we are merciful and willing to move past the mistakes and sins of others. We are quick to pardon and unwilling to hold a grudge.

Forgiveness Requires:

• HUMILITY – Humility enables us to see that we are not much different from the person who hurt us.
• REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS – Real forgiveness is given without expectations of reconciliation, justice, or that we will forget what happened.
• GRIEVING AND LETTING GO – Forgiveness is necessary when someone has destroyed or taken something from us that we valued – a person, possessions, our reputation, peace of mind.

“The first to apologize is the bravest. The first to forgive is the strongest. The first to forget is the happiest.”  – David Voth