It’s not easy to forgive someone who has done you wrong. Many times it may be the last thing on earth you want to do. Forgiveness does not mean that you forget what happened. Nor does it mean that you accept it or approve of it. It simply means that you choose to move on. You choose to be free.
Living with resentment in your heart is a form of self-imprisonment. Why would anyone choose to live that way?
That’s a question I’ve always asked. Oftentimes, I hear people speak about the many wrongs that have been done to them by others. They may not admit that they’re holding onto bitterness, but their tone tells it all. Over and over again, they vent over the same situations and each time their anger is rekindled.
They are constantly poisoning themselves, by feeding off of expired events. Then, they wonder why they’re not happy.
Why won’t they let it go?
Maybe you’re thinking… “Easy for you to say. You’ve probably never gone through anything.” Wrong. I’ve gone through plenty; awful situations, some of which have never been revealed.
Although those situations were hurtful and difficult to endure, even as a child, I knew that I had a choice to make. I could either let them ruin me or I could let them go and perhaps even use them to help others who go through similar situations.
The person already caused enough hurt, so why should I allow them to hurt me even more, by holding onto what happened? Resentment and anger toward those who hurt me, doesn’t hurt them. It only hurts me.
Instead of being resentful, I chose to forgive them. That doesn’t mean that their wrong-doings were justified. It simply means that I wasn’t going to let them effect my future.
Forgiveness toward those hurt us is not for their benefit, but for our own.
It may not be easy to forgive others, but if you want freedom, then that is where you’ll find it.
This post is in response to the Daily Post prompt: I Can’t Stay Mad at You
Me - Who am I? 
Agreed. Forgiveness is the best thing ever. Pain comes back now an again, depending, but it’s not worth holding a grudge. Much too heavy a burden for me.
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You’re right about the pain, but as you said, even with that a grudge is not worth our time. We can’t truly live today, if we’re still living in the past.
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One that is a constant work in progress for me, but I’m getting there. Nice reply to the prompt!
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Hey, at least you’re working on it. That’s something. 🙂
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Takes me a while, but I persevere until I get there!
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I needed this…thanks for sharing. yes it is just hard to do this simple thing ‘forgive someone’ and i am working on doing it, even though its hard. Because it is for my own benefit only..to make peace with myself..!!
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Yes, exactly and having the self-peace is so important. We can’t truly be happy if we don’t have that. I’m glad that this message came right in time for you. 🙂 Have a wonderful day!
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I have found I forgive and let it go is good for me, too. I don’t necessarily spend a lot of time with the ones who are hurtful or sap my energy. Take care and hope to visit more often. Happy Thanksgiving! (If you celebrate.) Smiles, Robin
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That’s very good to hear. Our time with those people should be limited. Too much time is just asking for unneeded issues. Thank you, Robin. Yes, turkey is in the oven as I type. 🙂 Happy Thanksgiving to you too!
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This is not just a kernel of truth MWAI, but a forrest of full grown truth. We hurt ourselves by holding on to this….
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Yes, that we do. It’s not healthy for us, nor for those around us.
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Yes, hanging onto the grudge does hold us back. I wish I would have learned that many years ago, but glad I’ve learned to forgive so that I can go on with life. Nice post!
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Better late than never, right? It’s a good lesson to learn. I’m glad you learned it. It certainly makes life better.
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What is the saying? The best thing is to accept the apology never given… Or something along those lines… And it’s not easy, but there are several things I’ve worked hard to be able to forgive, and it feels so much better! Love this post 🙂
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I’ve never heard that saying, but oh how I’ve lived it! There have been many times when I’ve had to accept that no apology would ever be given and realize that it was completely up to me to move on and not let it bother me. Forgiveness does feel so much better than bitterness, any day. Thanks Kate for the comment!
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