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?
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 reach 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. Generally, however, it involves a decision to let go of resentment and thoughts of revenge.
The act that hurt or offended you might always be with you, but forgiveness can lessen its grip on you and help free you from the control of the person who harmed you. Forgiveness can 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 or making up with the person who caused the harm. Forgiveness brings a kind of peace that helps you go on with life.
