About the Importance of Forgiveness
How often have you heard the expression forgive and forget? People often say that it's easy to forgive but difficult to forget yet many people have the most trouble with forgiveness. As difficult as it may be to forgive those who have hurt you it is important to your own well being.
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Significance
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What exactly is forgiveness? It is the ability to work past your hurt and find the compassion in your heart to let go of the pain someone else has caused and harbor no hard feelings toward the wrongdoer. Forgiveness is letting go of resentment and anger. People often express forgiveness verbally but in their hearts they haven't truly forgiven. They are saying one thing and doing another. It is important to practice the art of forgiveness.
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Why is it important to forgive? As long as you are unable to forgive you hold yourself and the person who wronged you in bondage. You cannot be completely happy or free until you can let go of your hurt and anger otherwise it will fester inside of you consuming you like a disease. Not only do you need to forgive others but there may be times when you need to ask for forgiveness as well.
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Types
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There are different types of forgiveness. For example, there is personal forgiveness and divine forgiveness. Personal forgiveness takes place between people mostly on a personal level but can take place on an impersonal level as well. To clarify, personal forgiveness occurs when a person chooses not to hold any animosity or resentment toward a friend, relative or co-worker who may have committed an offense toward him or her. Impersonal forgiveness occurs when a person chooses to forgive a stranger who has done harm to him, a family member or has caused damage in some manner. Impersonal forgiveness may apply to someone who has committed a crime such as murder, rape, property damage or some other offense.
Considerations
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Divine forgiveness is when we ask a deity through prayer to forgive us for our transgressions. We all do things that we know we shouldn't. We may lie, gossip or worse. The point is that if we have a religious faith and do things that are wrong, we can ask our God for forgiveness. Most religions teach that if we are genuinely sorry about our actions and vow not to repeat them we can achieve forgiveness. We should also ask forgiveness from those we have hurt, even if the hurt was not intentional.
Effects
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Forgiving someone who has hurt you deeply can be difficult. Asking for forgiveness can be just as difficult, but it is important. Harboring resentment, hurt and anger can affect you mentally, physically and spiritually. Pent emotions and resentments can affect a person's mental state, making it difficult to concentrate and perform daily tasks. When your mind is distracted by negative feelings and emotions, your work and relationships suffer. Physical health also can suffer. Headaches, fatigue, lethargy and even high blood pressure may result from the stress of carrying around anger and resentment. Spiritual progress may become stagnant when you can't find it in yourself to forgive. Forgiveness helps you to heal on all levels.
Benefits
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Forgiveness often doesn't come immediately. The process may take time. A disagreement between spouses may be forgiven quickly, but if the hurt is deep enough, forgiveness may be a gradual process. You may have to work through the pain to get to the place in your heart where forgiveness can take place. Prayer or meditation can help you reach that place. It is also important to be honest with yourself, to acknowledge and accept your feelings rather than denying them. Be honest and sincere, whether you're forgiving someone or asking for forgiveness. Even if you're not willing to forgive right away or someone isn't willing to forgive you, making the attempt represents a critical step. You also should remember that it is more difficult to forgive others if you cannot forgive yourself. Forgiveness heals the spirit and sets your mind and heart free. It is a necessary component to living a healthy life.
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