Delivering the Concept of Forgiveness


I believe forgiveness is crucial in life. However, the delivery of the message of forgiveness is just as crucial.

I believe one must empathize and be sensitive to the emotions of those suffering from great hardship due to the actions of others. I have seen over and over people tell others immediately in a flippant matter to "just let it go and forgive," or "You need to forgive them." This type of phrasing smacks of insensitivity and a harshness that may even come across as accusatory.

While the person may agree with forgiveness, it becomes more difficult when others make the victim look like the perpetrator by not being "forgiving enough" or by even by being just human in experiencing the pain and damage due to the sins of others.

What needs to be emphasized is a sensitive, compassionate approach filled with understanding and careful listening. The pain and suffering are a normal reaction, but the forgiveness is a choice to battle the pain. If the individual knows about forgiveness, he/she doesn't need it to be brought up continuously or shoved down his/her throat. What the individual needs is a listening ear and a level of understanding so the individual doesn't feel alone in the process of grieving.

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