Facts on Forgiving People

Forgiving someone who has wronged you is one of the most difficult things you can do, yet it is the first step towards true healing between friends.

Misconceptions

Forgiveness is not forgetting about an offense, but rather choosing to overlook the wrong you have suffered and releasing the anger and bitterness it caused.

Function

Forgiving someone does not release him from the responsibility he holds for the hurt he caused or any consequences for that action.

Benefits

Forgiveness actually has a physical affect on the body, such as lowering blood pressure and heart rate, and lessening symptoms of depression.

Considerations

You know that it is time to forgive someone when your anger and bitterness begin to affect other areas of your life, such as your friendships with other people, or when you find yourself constantly dwelling on a particular offense.

Expert Insight

You can choose to forgive someone who has wronged you even if they do not deserve or ask for forgiveness.

Warning

Forgiveness does not bring an end to the pain that an offense has caused, but rather helps you to deal with the emotions you have been feeling towards the offender.

Resources

• Forgiveness
• Forgiveness--Mayo Clinic