For some, forgiveness may be the hardest thing to give or probably the least celebrated thing to receive.
The standard definition of forgive or forgiveness according to Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy states:
The term ‘forgive’ derives from ‘give’ or to ‘grant’, as in ‘to give up,’ or ‘cease to harbor(resentment, wrath).’ More specifically, ‘forgive’ refers to the act of giving up a feeling, such as resentment, or a claim to requital or compensation. And the term ‘forgiveness’ is defined as the action of forgiving, pardoning of a fault, remission of a debt, and similar responses to injury, wrongdoing, or obligation.
In lighter terms, , forgiveness is a decision to let go of resentment and thoughts of revenge. The act that hurt or offended you may always remain a part of your life, but forgiveness can lessen its grip on you and help you focus on other, positive parts of your life. Forgiveness can even lead to feelings of understanding, empathy and compassion for the one who hurt you.
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 brings a kind of peace that helps you go on with life. It is very much different fromreconciliation.
Here are some notes from today's Life Apps teaching on "Forgiveness" at church:
- Forgiven people forgive
- It's God's standard to forgive
- Forgiveness can cure illnesses
You must agree with 1 & 2, but doubts may even arise with 3, so here's God's Word to support it:
(James 5:16) "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."
Even health specialists attribute forgiveness' healing benefits:
Letting go of grudges and bitterness makes way for compassion, kindness and peace. Forgiveness can lead to:
- Healthier relationships
- Greater spiritual and psychological well-being
- Less stress and hostility
- Lower blood pressure
- Fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety and chronic pain
- Lower risk of alcohol and substance abuse
So here are some tips for a healthier you:
- Don't be easily offended
- You can avoid an unforgiving spirit by realizing how important forgiveness is to the Christian faith
Ptr.A also shared several quotes on forgiveness:
"Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future."
"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." -Mahatma Gandhi
"He who cannot forgive breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass." -George Herbert
"Resentment is like a glass of poison that a man drinks; then he sits down and waits for his enemy to die." -Nelson Mandela
"You will know that forgiveness has begun when you recall those who hurt you and feel the power to wish them well." -Lewis B. Smedes
"Forgiveness is me giving up my right to hurt you for hurting me."
"Am I not destroying my enemies when I make friends of them?" -Abrahan Lincoln
"A happy marriage is the union of two forgivers." -Robert Quillen
"In the shadow of my hurt, forgiveness feels like a decision to reward my enemy. But in the shadow of the cross, forgiveness is merely a gift from one undeserving soul to another." -Andy Stanley
It will really be easy for us to forgive and release someone or some people (Colossians 3:12-14) if we ourselves realize that we have been greatly and eternally forgiven of our sins, wrongdoings and shortcomings by a Savior (Hebrews 8:11-13). Only when we do so would forgiving be 'real' to us. Anyways, it is 'our self' who benefits the greatest when we forgive. And wouldn't you want to receive forgiveness as well?
Psalm 103:2-4 (NIV)
2 Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—
3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases,
4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion
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