Forgiveness is important for our physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Yet some people find it extremely difficult to forgive. How to make forgiving a natural process like exhaling – letting go of byproducts our bodies no longer need?
Let us understand what God says about forging:
Words of God on Forgiveness
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Matthew 5:7
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.” Matthew 5:23-24
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” Mark 11:25
“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also.” Luke 6:27-29
Jesus asked for God’s forgiveness of those who crucified him. “And Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.’” Luke 23: 34
What is forgiveness?
Generally, forgiveness is a decision to let go of resentment and thoughts of revenge. Forgiveness doesn’t mean that you deny the other person’s responsibility for hurting you, and it doesn’t minimize or justify the wrong. You can forgive the person without excusing the act. Forgiveness is not something we do for other people. We do it for ourselves to get well and move on. Forgiving is a choice. When someone you care about hurts you, you can hold on to anger, resentment and thoughts of revenge — or embrace forgiveness and move forward.
How to Forgive
- Feel compassion and love for the other person. Understand that most people are good at their core and are doing their best at any given moment. Recognize and relate to their humanness. Acknowledge the inherent value in releasing the negative energy of anger and resentment. You desire healing and growth. Move away from your victim role; remove any ego that may block you from forgiving; ask for God’s mercy and inner strength. If somebody has done injustice to you, ask God to be in charge of your justice.
- It is a good idea to consider the situation from the other person’s point of view, understand why he or she behaved in such a way. Reconcile if possible. Sometimes our wrong judgement of a person or situation may be the cause for our hurt feelings. Sometimes our expectations on others may be too unrealistic.
- Forgive unconditionally, whether it is requested or not. Let go of any hurt feelings or resentment. Just let it go as if you drop a heavy burden from your shoulder.
- If you still have any residual hurt feelings, submit it at the foot of Jesus Christ on the cross. Emulate his forgiveness. Meditate on the sufferings he has gone through to liberate you. Let his dripping blood fall on your body and mind and cleanse you completely. Know that everybody is part of the body of Christ and so you are one with everybody else. Try to see others as an extension of yourself.
- Pray for the person and bless him/her. Feel the spirit of God filling your heart. You are now filled with the divine love and peace. God is accepting you as his child and is hugging you and blessing you. Hold that great feeling in your mind for some time.
- At a later point, when you think of the person, if the hurt feelings are triggered again, release the hurt feeling once for all – get tips from Release emotional pains. Next time when you see that person or think of that person, you will find that you are detached from the hurt feelings; you will feel compassion, understanding and love.
- Commit to treating others with compassion, empathy and respect, irrespective of their behaviours. Let forgiveness be part of your identity.
Recollect memories of you forgiving somebody or your dear-ones forgiving you. What was the outcome? Joy, peace, better relationships with God and your dear ones, blessings from God, ..?
Do you have someone to be forgiven? Why not go ahead and forgive.
Word for Meditations 