Forgiveness
From 16Guidelines
What is Forgiveness?
Forgiveness is to let go of anger or resentment towards someone who has done something hurtful or distubing. It reclaims our peace of mind and liberates us from a cycle of anger and blame. Sometimes it can seem insurmountable, though it is in essence merely a shift of mind - but a shift which sometimes takes the most enormous courage to muster.
Though they are often mentioned together, forgiveness is not the same as forgetting. It is not forgetting the wrongs we have suffered or that damage that was done, rather it is to reconcile that hurt. It cannot be forced, it must come freely from the heart, but when the desire for peace and the desire to relieve the pain to ourselves and others emerges, forgiveness enables a new start.
Forgiveness also acknowledges that people sometimes act from places of weakness or frailty. It recognises that we have hurt others during our own journey through life and that we hoped for forgiveness from the people we injured. It also knows that whilst we are harbouring bitterness, anger and resentment we are unable to be free. Forgiveness comes from a place of great strength and results in great liberation.
Quotes
"To forgive is not just to be altruistic. It is the best form of self-interest."
- Archbishop Desmond Tutu
"There is no love without forgiveness, and there is no forgiveness without love."
- Bryant H McGill
"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong."
- Mahatma Gandhi
"You will know that forgiveness has begun when you recall those who hurt you and feel the power to wish them well."
- Lewis B. Smedes
"Sometimes forgiving was easy for me; sometimes forgiving was a very bold choice. Whatever kind of choice it was, it always led me to a more peaceful heart. It always left me happier and free to move on to create healthier relationships with others and with myself."
- Robin Casarjian
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