Ponderings (October 2009) - “FORGIVE”
According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary …
Forgive is “to give up resentment of or claim to requital for; to cease to feel resentment against; pardon”
Sharing my thoughts …
Forgiveness is not always easy, especially if the hurt is deep. Withholding forgiveness can feel justified because I feel “wronged”. Holding onto this position makes me feel “right” and gives me an excuse for why things may not be working in my life. The problem is that withholding forgiveness and holding onto resentments hurts me on all levels; mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. By clinging to resentments and refusing to forgive I stay stuck in the past and cannot live my life to its fullest. Though it may not be easy, learning to forgive is one lesson that is worth the effort.
Questions to ponder …
- How do you view forgiveness?
- Have you ever asked for forgiveness? What was the result?
- Has anyone ever asked you for forgiveness? What was the result?
- What is the price you pay when you forgive? When you refuse to forgive?
- What is the benefit you receive when you forgive? When you refuse to forgive?
- How do you feel when you forgive yourself? When you refuse to forgive yourself?
- How do you feel when you forgive someone? When you refuse to forgive someone?
- What steps can you take this week to forgive what you have held as unforgivable?
Related quotes …
Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future. [Paul Boese]
We achieve inner health only through forgiveness – the forgiveness not only of others but also of ourselves. [Joshua Loth Liebman]
Decide to forgive: For resentment is negative; resentment is poisonous; resentment diminishes and devours the self. [Robert Muller]
When you hold resentment toward another, you are bound to that person or condition by an emotional link that is stronger than steel. Forgiveness is the only way to dissolve the link and get free. [Catherine Ponder]
