by Fiona X

Created on: January 30, 2010

Forgiveness is an action that is required for a continued peaceful existence. It is very difficult but necessary. When decided upon, it is very powerful and changes the way one views their world. Forgiveness diminishes the pain and anguish from the anger one feels when wronged by someone they love. When the decision is made to forgive, it can be liberating. Liberating because when one does not forgive, they simply exist with countless amounts of anger and resentment towards another. That alone is not healthy or productive.

When a person decides to forgive, they do so because they realize it is the right action to take. When one forgives another, they begin to regain control of their life. Staying angry with another person keeps that person in charge of your emotions and essentially your life. Although they are no longer part of your everyday existence that person stays present through your constant anger. Letting go of the anger is the key to healing.

Forgiveness does not have to be a stressful event where you call the person up to meet and recite the words: “I forgive you”. Forgiveness comes from the heart. You make a conscious decision to stop being angry because you want to move on with the business of living. You forgive this person in your heart and move on. At times we may have to forgive a person that has already passed away just to be at peace. Face it; walking around angry is not really living.

Many decide to forgive and resume a relationship with the person that wronged them. They verbally announce to the other person how they feel about being wronged and they choose to look past the event and move on. The process of rebuilding trust begins. There are others who forgive but no longer desire a relationship with the person. Both are acceptable as long as in your heart you are at peace. You are at peace when you know you have done the right thing for yourself and others.

Some wrongs are harder and take a longer period of time to forgive. What we all need to remember is that we are all human and will make mistakes. Some wrongs may seem unforgivable and even warrant revenge. In the long run, revengeful acts will only fuel those negative feelings. One should always remember to treat others the way they would want to be treated then maybe we would never have to forgive. Since we are human after all, we will all commit one or more acts in our lifetime that we will want to be forgiven for. If we keep this truth in mind, then the act of forgiveness becomes a necessary and healthy part of life.

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