Forgiveness is a cross not too many of us want to carry. It is something we are all familiar with—feelings of hurt mixed with anger and resentment. It is hard to let go of these emotions, especially if the ones who wronged you do not ask for forgiveness or show any hint of repentance.
Forgiving, however, is the first step to a new start, and you cannot go anywhere without forgiving first. It is a testing journey that requires your willingness to see and feel beyond the hurts and pain. If you are longing for a fresh start or freedom from past aches, stop dwelling on the negative experience and take up the cross.
Do not let anger consume you
There is always a hint of pride that comes with forgiving. Yes, you were done wrong and you have every right to be angry or feel upset about it. But allowing that anger to take over your life is not the way to live either. Lack of forgiveness only prevents you from becoming the best person you could be. Why focus on negative feelings and thoughts when there are other reasons to be joyful?
Let it be
Sometimes, you do not have to understand fully the person’s motive to hurt you. Wrapping your head around the possible reasons may only make you feel worse. Just let it be and accept the fact that people may hurt others even if they do not intend to. Forgive even though the ones who hurt you do not ask for it.
Note, though, that this does not mean you are allowing that same person to hurt you again or you are justifying his or her actions. Forgive and forget, but be wiser from the experience.
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Remember the feeling of being forgiven
Forgiving would be easier if you know the feeling of being forgiven. After all, you too may have done others wrong, even without you knowing it. If being forgiven feels immensely good, forgiving is even better. You do not have to deal with the pain anymore and you can open yourself to more positive things.
Be grateful
The act of forgiveness is a gift only a few know they have. It is a process that often takes a long time to be done. The rewards, however, are all worth it. Nothing feels greater than being free from the manacles of hate and anger. You will never know the great things you are capable of until you learn to say the words, “Yes, you are forgiven.”
You are more than your past hurts and failures. Take the positive things from the bad experience then move on. Make peace with yourself and let go of the rage and resentment. As Jesus has shown at the cross, every day we are forgiven, so treat each day as a chance to forgive and to love.
