At some time, all of us have been hurt or disappointed by someone. Whether the offense was relatively minor like an insensitive remark or being cut off in traffic, or something truly horrible, like physical or emotional abuse, these wrongs may evoke a response of anger, hurt, bitterness, or even revenge. While forgiving those who hurt you may seem like you’re letting them off the hook, it doesn’t mean that what they did to you is OK. Forgiveness is a conscious choice to release yourself from the grip the offense has on you. In other words, forgiveness is something you do for yourself to sever your emotional attachment to what happened and find peace. You’ll find that forgiveness will benefit you far more than the one you’re forgiving.
Forgiveness and Health Unresolved conflict can affect your physical health. Chronic anger puts your body in fight-or-flight mode. It increases blood pressure and heart rate, and negatively impacts immune response. Also, people who hold grudges are more prone to depression, anxiety, and hostility, all of which have a negative impact on relationships. Forgiveness calms stress levels, improving physical and emotional health.
What is Forgiveness? Forgiveness is more than saying the words “I forgive you.” It is an active process in which we let go of anger, resentment, and hostility.
How can I Forgive? Reflect on the Offense: Think about what happened, how it made you feel, and how the anger, hurt, and bitterness you feel has impacted your life.
Practice Empathy: Try seeing the situation from the other’s point of view. Ask yourself why the other person may have acted that way. It doesn’t excuse the offender, but may help you to see him/her as a human being who made a mistake.
Pray: Ask God for help. When you offer your fear, sadness, and pain as a prayer, you receive peace and divine love in return.
Have Realistic Expectations: Forgiveness may improve your relationship with the person who wronged you. However, it is important to realize that the person you are forgiving may not change and that reconciliation may not always be possible or appropriate.
Realize that Forgiveness isn’t Always Easy: Remember that forgiveness is a process. Even small hurts may need to be revisited and forgiven over and over again.
The Takeaway Forgiveness improves health by lowering stress, anxiety, and blood pressure. It also promotes spiritual connection, psychological well-being, and healthy relationships—a recipe for living a life of joy and purpose. Now that’s a great way to start the New Year!