Forgiveness can be extremely difficult. When someone has hurt you even in a small way, it can be difficult to forgive them deep down. It is hard to mend the relationship or to move forward without being disheartened by the wrong thing done against you. But it can be even harder to carry around the heavy burden of a grudge with you every step of your day. By forgiving you can finally…
Let go. It is amazing that when the words “I forgive you” resonate in your heart, there is a weight lifted off of your chest and the world is a different place. Honestly, the act of holding in forgiveness hurts you more than it does the person you are mad at. You can finally move on when you let them go and forgive them.
Feel whole again. There is always a part of your heart taken by the burden of anger, fear, regret and pain when you cannot find it in yourself to forgive someone. I do not believe that everyone deserves forgiveness to the capacity that you move on from what they did and become best friends again. Some people do not deserve this. But, you allow yourself to be strong and to feel like yourself again when you forgive someone and rid your heart of the pain they have let you carry for so long.
Stop hating. Hatred is a terrible feeling. No matter who or what it is, hate is destructive and causes anger and violence. When you get to forgive someone, you can stop hating them for what they did and you can release all of the anger you have held without even knowing.
Forgive yourself too. Whatever the reason may be, when you need to forgive someone, they have usually done something wrong to hurt you. You may have also done something wrong to hurt them which can be easier to deny and hold onto than forgive as well. But you not only have the power to let go of the grudge against someone else but also the anger you have towards yourself. You can forgive yourself whether you have done something wrong or have hindered yourself from happiness and growth by holding back forgiveness for such a long time.
Forgiveness is not easy. It is not simple to give someone a second chance, to let them back into your life, or to allow them off the hook for what they did. But forgiveness isn’t always so much about the other person. Forgiveness will set you free and give you back your heart. Don’t be so afraid to say, “I forgive you,” and mean it this time.
