Forgiveness is an emotional release of resentment, but it doesn’t erase the painful, hard earned remembrance of difficult experiences which protect you and helps you keep healthy protective boundaries in the future. Choose to release the grudge without subjecting yourself to further mistreatment. Leave behind the heavy burdens which enslave you to the past.
But by all means chose to forgive…
Forgive because it frees you. Forgive because it frees your debtor to try again and do better. Forgive to break the heavy chains of the past. Forgive to reduce emotional stress and strengthen relationships.
Forgive to reset your friendships, family, community, world and most importantly yourself in a positive way.
Forgive because doing so is what you want when you have been unwise, unkind, unthinking, hurtful, cruel, and stupid, when you have offended others.
Forgive yourself for not knowing more and having more self-control, to release guilt, resentment and shame.
Forgive because EVERYONE needs forgiveness and the light it brings.
Heal…and be accountable hereafter to the forever cycle of forgiveness.