By Jeanni Ritchie
September 27 is National Day of Forgiveness. It was created by author Melissa Reese (The Pursuit of Forgiveness 2.0) to encourage us to develop realistic methods for incorporating forgiveness in our lives. Forgiveness is a potent tool on a journey of spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical health.
#NationalDayOfForgiveness
The act of forgiveness is powerful. But, granting forgiveness is more than an act – it’s a process. Forgiveness teaches us about ourselves as much as it teaches us about others. Whether a person suffers from mental or emotional pain, grief, or trauma, forgiveness can set us on a path of healing. Forgiveness can also develop into a practice that teaches us to value compassion, kindness, and love.
We recently completed a study on forgiveness in my Sunday School class. It is one of the hardest lessons to learn, especially when the pain is deep. Whether your goal is better mental health or a closer relationship with God, forgiveness is mandatory.
Even when the one you have to forgive is yourself.
Bible Study Leader Carolyn Boniol shares:
What you give up when you forgive: The right to demand that the one who hurt you pay you back or be made to suffer for what they’ve done. God will handle it and even if you never see how God handles it, you have faith to know He will.
What you get when you forgive: The freedom to move on.
Forgiveness is a release, not to be confused with reconciliation, which is an effort to rejoin.
(Author note: I’ve had many people in my life I’ve had to forgive with no need or desire to reconcile with. There have also been loved ones I’ve had to forgive while praying mightily for reconciliation. Ask God for the spiritual wisdom to know the difference.)
Forgiveness is a decision to release the offender. Reconciliation is the effort to rejoin.
Forgiveness involves a change in thinking about the offender. Reconciliation involves a change in behavior by the offender.
Forgiveness is extended even if it is never earned. Reconciliation is offered because it has been earned.
Forgiveness is a free gift to the one who has broken trust. Reconciliation is a restored relationship based on restored trust.
Remember, the gift you give the one you choose to forgive comes back tenfold, as it is also a gift for yourself.
Read more faith essays from Jeanni Ritchie on www.faithunfaded.com.