Forgiveness, Revisited

Yesterday I participated in a group whose topic was forgiveness. Two of us honestly shared the resentment we feel because amends have not been made in the way we would like. Thus, the slate is not wiped clean.

But years ago I read, “Forgiveness occurs when you systematically lay aside conclusions you have reached about other people and the motivations for their actions.”

In other words, forgiveness is reclaiming my freedom of choice. I choose not to be stuck to another person’s actions.

Forgiveness is so much easier when someone makes heartfelt amends, and we want the easy way. Yet, even without amends, forgiveness is our choice. It’s an inside job.

You write it: What is your experience with forgiveness?