Garret

I am sure that you may have been faced with this question in the past. Some people never really think about forgiveness very often. They think by saying a few words that all things will return to normal. We always hope that things will go well and people will not hurt our feelings or do us wrong to have to forgive. But then a situation arises and we are faced with the need to forgive.

Forgiveness is something that is learned. To forgive is not an act of any kind, it is actually a process. And in the scope of things true forgiveness takes time and comes in several steps. It is not something that is instantaneous There are 5 steps involved in the process of forgiving.

1.The restoration of an attitude of love

2.Letting go of the painful past

3.Rebuilding the damaged relationship

4.Make a new beginning for the future

5.A renewed acceptance and reconciliation must take place.

Most people think they can say I forgive you but they have not really forgiven at all. Their words are empty and without sincerity and feeling. If you have not gone through the 5 step process then those were just words and the hurt has just been put on the back burn till it is remembered at a later occasion.

To also say I forgive but I cant forget means you have not really forgiven at all. It just means you can overlook the situation temporarily. To forgive is a process of giving up. When you forgive you are actually letting go of the unpleasant picture of the wrong doing. A new trust is developed and a believing that the other has worth and value grows. Old resentments disappear and the need for revenge not longer will exist when you have truly forgiven someone.

If we all keep in mind that if we can not give even an inch, then we should not expect that in return. We should not hope for mercy or even second chances. For additional information on the power of forgiveness you are invited to visit http://www.livinglifewideopen.com

Relationships run down many different roads. You are invited to visit us at http://www.friendsandbeyond.com to learn more information on how to enhance your relationship, friend or otherwise, further.