Forgiveness: Essential Step in Personal Development

Forgivness

It is potent.

It is essential.

You may have seen tear jerking moment in soap operas – where an important person in the family on his/ her deathbed surrounded by a few sobbing loved ones- musters enough energy to mumble a few words, or makes a speech then drops dead ( just at the right time)? They either tell the family to be united, convey their love which has never been verbalized ever before, or ask for forgiveness for what they have done…. they they all wail loudly after he/she is gone…

According to Wikipedia, Forgiveness is the mental, emotional and/or spiritual process of ceasing to feel resentment or anger against another person for a perceived offence, difference or mistake, or ceasing to demand punishment or restitution

On a personal level, being forgiven and forgiving someone is crucial to self improvement and personal growth. It has a strong impact not only on a personal level, but also in relationships, and also in businesses.

"Forgiveness is freeing up and putting to better use the energy once consumed by holding grudges, harboring resentments, and nursing unhealed wounds. It is rediscovering the strengths we always had and relocating our limitless capacity to understand and accept other people and ourselves" Sidney and Suzanne Simon

There are essentially a few parties you need to forgive.

1.Forgive yourself.

Forgiveness can be considered as the first step towards acceptance and love of yourself. It takes some level of humility to be able to at least accept that you have been wrong. And then to forgive yourself and also ask to be be forgiven from God or the other party. On the contrary, has not been sorry for nor been forgiven for the wrongs that he has done, resentment and guilt remain in him which negatively affects all aspects of his life. One either masks the wrong and puts on a defensive front. There is a blockage to full development of the personality and capacity to love.

In forgiving, and in the releasing of these negative emotions, positive ones can come in and flow naturally. Something is released.You are not bound and are free to live again.

2.Forgive another
A person finds peace within as he forgives and becomes at peace with God and with other people. IN releasing negative emotions stored towards another, one is free again. It does not mean accepting the wrong that the other has done. But in so doing, you are freeing yourself from the bondage of the wrong the other has on you.

It could be forgiving your parents for the damage they have done to you, or forgiving God for perceived injustices that have happened. It is not easy, but essential step to achieving peace.

Forgiveness works in two ways. It benefits the person being forgiven as well as the person forgiving. Resentment and guilt in both parties are released which then paves the way for further improvement of the self and relationship.

It is essential.

Take steps towards releasing those emotions.

Be good to yourself.

Free yourself.

Forgive.

And live fully again.

From Fear Into Love