Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a process of pardoning someone for something negative they have said or done to you and not holding it against them. Sometimes someone may say something rude to us and we get upset and hold negative feelings toward that person. Holding that negativity and tension isn't healthy, instead we can realize that nothing is personal. People are responsible for how they treat others and how they respond to others as well. Forgiving is continuing to treat someone with kindness even when they have been mean to us. Not forgiving is only keeping tension around which isn't good for anyone.

It's not always easy, but you can forgive someone and move on with them, continuing to communicate with them or forgive someone and move on without them. If they continue with negative behavior, it may be best to forgive them and move on without them. A healthier way of living is to surround yourself with others who are supportive of you and not a negative influence. Everyone does good and everyone does bad, but it is up to you to determine what behavior is acceptable.

It's not always easy to give ourselves positive self-talk after someone has been mean to us, but it is in our best interest when we do. Life isn't about creating a toxic environment and atmosphere for others. Life is about loving one another and making others feel comfortable, even when they don't show us love. You can't change people, but you can respond to their negativity with forgiveness.

Just as God forgives us for our sins, we must also be forgiving as a reflection of Him. So, the next time someone says something to you in a negative way, remember, no one is perfect and to focus on your own behavior. Forgiving. Check our more here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4Zw5BMpamY

Reflect on how you show forgiveness.

1. If someone says apologizes to you for being mean, how long does it take you to forgive them?

2. Is it easy for you to get upset if someone says something to you that isn't nice?

3. After you forgive someone, do you continue to remind them of what they did?

4. Is it difficult for you to let negative gossip go?

5. What helps you forgive? (I always think about how we aren't perfect)

6. Have you ever wanted someone to forgive you?

7. If you ever wanted forgiveness, but someone didn't forgive you, how did it make you feel?

8. Since God forgives us, do you feel we should reflect that behavior? I would say so :)

9. How do you feel when you don't forgive?

10. How do you feel when you do forgive?

11. After you forgive someone, how do you treat them?

Here are some ways to forgive in your own time.

Realize you are not perfect, just like everyone else.

When someone is asking for your forgiveness, listen and be kind.

Remember that God forgives us, and we need to be reflections of that.

Take time away from that person to reflect, allowing room for calm, no tension.

If you forgive someone, do not keep bringing up what they did. Let it go and move on.

Remember a time when you wanted forgiveness, and don't hold grudges.

It may take some practice, but you got it! :)