Day/Card 4 of 39 … Forgiveness …

It’s happened to all of us … someone we know hurting us in a way that upends us, and causes us to be angry, resentful, or even revengeful. It could be that you grew up in an abusive household. A co-worker stole a project and made it theirs. A girlfriend began seeing your partner behind your back. Someone did something to cause you harm leaving you with a wound that can be so deep. A wound that festers as we hold on to that hurt, bitterness, resentment. Even years later, it can still evoke the feelings that were felt at the initial time of insult, and it may hurt even worse that it initially did.

Forgiveness is a term that is frequently misconstrued. Many believe it’s about giving the person who wronged you pardon, excusing them and forgetting about the incident. Forgiveness is NOT for the person who wronged you. Forgiveness is for YOU. Forgiveness is about extending mercy and kindness to the offender even if they don’t deserve it. It’s looking at it from a different perspective. It’s about letting go of the grudge so that you can move in with your life, releasing the anger, bitterness, resentment, hostility. It’s for you, not for the offender. Forgiveness allows for some peace in your life instead of suffering.

The “Forgiveness” card reminds us to extend grace to ourselves. It reminds us to forgive ourselves as well as those who wronged us regardless if they know that you have forgiven them. You don’t have to verbally tell them that you forgive them. It can be a silent agreement within yourself. Do it more for yourself. So you can live in peace. So that the wound will heal and not fester. So you can be of love. Love yourself enough to do that.