How to forgive and try to forget
From ArticleWorld
To forgive and try to forget is a much tougher task than seeking to get even because it requires maturity and wisdom to exonerate. Though forgiveness is both a restorative as well as a calming journey for our body and soul the way to peace can be very difficult. It is a gift that we give ourselves and it sets us free from the load of anger and pain. Remember, as long as we refuse to forgive we keep ourselves tied to the people we have not forgiven and we hand them the right to traumatize us even in our most private moments. With the help of God and the following tips you may find it in your heart to let go.
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A few suggestions
- Remember forgiveness is not acceptance of the behavior rather forgiveness is required for behavior that is or was not acceptable and that should not be allowed to be repeated.
- Understand that the only person you are harming by not forgiving is yourself. The person whom you need to forgive does not lie awake tormenting themselves, reliving the events that need to be forgotten again and again and that finally you are not punishing them but yourself.
- Make a list of what happened that you need to forgive. Write the list down in your hand (do not word process) and mention only the events as they happened without mentioning your feelings.
- Write a letter to the person whom you need to forgive and tell them (in the letter) that you forgive them for all that happened. Express yourself fully and not only your pain.
- Destroy the letter and the list completely by either burning them or tearing them into small pieces.
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Do’s
- Think of Jesus when you think of forgiveness. Your pain and hurt is nothing compared to what He went through, so seek guidance from Him.
- If you do not succeed the first time, try again, do not give up.
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Don’ts
- Don’t dwell on why you should forgive when you forgive. Knowing why something happened is not likely to lessen your hurt so don’t count on it.