You Think Forgiveness is Easy? Think Again

[ad_1]

By George Kimando

Last Sunday, we examined the therapeutic effects of forgiveness and why it’s cardinal to release unforgiveness if we are to live a fulfilling life.

A Priest friend of mine who is an avid reader of this column called and asked me: do you know how difficult it is to forgive?

He then shared with me nine key reasons why people find it difficult to forgive others. This came with a challenge, that i rate myself honestly against these obstacles, and determine how well i overcome them when faced with unforgiveness.

The other challenge was to consciously examine my conscience every time i interact with others and i feel offended.

I do the honours of extending the same challenge to you as i share these nine considered obstacles to forgiveness.

Here we go:

1. Lack of desire to forgive: You simply don’t want to forgive, and make no effort towards it.
2. Rehearsing what happened: Some people continue to dwell on the hurtful experience, replaying it over and over again in their minds. This makes it difficult to let go and builds a desire to revenge and get even.
3. Pride: many believe the other person should initiate reconciliation. They don’t realize it’s about them, and not the other person. Almost all broken marriages/relationships have this as a core cause.
4. Fear: Some resist forgiving to avoid looking weak, being misunderstood, or feeling rejected. It connects to pride in a very fundamental way.
5. Negative advice: Well-meaning friends don’t always offer sound counsel. In most cases, friends, family and relations will be prejudiced in their opinion and/or advise.
6. Partial forgiveness: People pick and choose which offenses can be pardoned. They forget forgiveness has no middle ground: you either forgive absolutely or you don’t at all.
7. Relying on emotions: Don’t make the mistake of waiting until you feel like forgiving. Emotional ‘reasoning’ is no reasoning at all.
8. Expecting quick results: Forgiveness can take time. Have no time limits, release and let go. Unconditionally.
9. Justifying the other person’s actions: Some people will rationalize what happened and blame the other person so that they don’t have to forgive.

Where are you at?

Have a forgiving Sunday, and a great week ahead.

The post You Think Forgiveness is Easy? Think Again appeared first on LitKenya.

[ad_2]

Source link