We’ve all been there before. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, someone hurts us. It’s natural to feel angry and want to minimize the hurt. But here’s the thing: anger just makes things worse. The best response when someone wrongs us is to forgive, even if they don’t ask for it or deserve it. Why? Because forgiving them is not about them—it’s about you and the peace of mind you deserve.
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Acceptance is Key
Anger stems from wanting to change circumstances or being upset about the way things are. But when you learn to accept what has happened and realize that there’s no going back or changing anything, you’ll find yourself feeling more at peace. Embrace that peace and move forward with your life by choosing forgiveness.
Forgiveness for Yourself
When I forgave a former boyfriend, it wasn’t for his sake—I knew he didn’t care whether I had moved on or not. I was tired of feeling hurt and angry, knowing that all the negativity only poisoned myself. So, I had to forgive him, not for him, but for me. Forgiving someone is a liberating act that sets you free from the burden of resentment.
Replace Hurt with Love
In Matthew 5:44, we’re encouraged to love our enemies, bless them, do good to them, and pray for them. As you strive to cultivate more love, you’ll naturally develop compassion for those who have hurt you. Seek to understand and empathize with their actions, and you’ll find a deeper sense of peace within yourself. It’s important to note that forgiveness takes time, and learning to love someone who has caused you pain won’t happen overnight. Be patient with yourself as you grow in love.
Seek Divine Assistance
When it comes to forgiveness, no one understands it better than God. If you sincerely ask for His help in forgiving someone who has wronged you, He will be there to guide you through the process. You’ll find strength to keep anger and hurt at bay as your heart is filled with love and compassion.
Turn Pain into Positivity
Learn from your pain and transform it into something positive. Ask yourself, “How can my experience help others?” One of the most powerful ways to forgive is by shifting your resentful attitude into one of gratitude and service. Your personal journey and the example you set can inspire and uplift others who may be going through similar struggles.
Remember, forgiveness is an ongoing process. Even after you believe you have forgiven someone, lingering bitter feelings may resurface unexpectedly. It can be frustrating, feeling like you can’t fully forgive no matter how hard you try. But if you’re genuinely committed to forgiveness, it will come. Be patient with yourself, and keep striving for forgiveness every day.
Emily Brady, FamilyShare
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