FORGIVENESS MUST COME WHEN THE ONE WHO’S HURT HAS DECIDED TO HEAL

When somebody wrongs you — either by accident or on purpose — it can be hard to get over it. You may never be able to reconcile with the wrongdoer. People these days take advantage and repeat their mistakes, and then come to ask for forgiveness. How does one believe and forgive such people?

Forgiveness may be the last thing on your mind when someone does something truly awful to you. But forgiveness is not just for them — it’s essential for your well being.

Holding on to that emotion for too long becomes a heavy burden to carry through your life. Forgiveness has changed my life. Accepting apologies from people who have destroyed me, forgiving people even when they haven’t asked for it, has healed my heart in ways I could have never imagined.

But this wasn’t easy. Sometimes it hurts too much. But I still think that there’s power in forgiving because it helps to free yourself from what’s been trapping you and holding you down. It’s a reminder of god’s love and faithfulness when you treat others with kindness, even when they don’t deserve it. And it helps you just as much, if not more, when you free your heart from that bitterness and pain, giving someone another chance, even when it’s undeserved.

In essence: you forgive them for yourself, not just for them. Know that forgiving someone does not make you weak but gives you strength.