Tweet

Life has become complicated. People hardly have time to kiss and reunite, forgive and shake hands. Instead, they harbour ill feelings even to their graves. But is it really worth it to destroy relationships, refusing to forgive those we love? Time is of the essence and life is too short. We cannot make up the time we have wasted by holding grudges and turning our backs on forgiveness. True, it does hurt more when a loved one says or does something to cause us harm. But we need to move beyond the initial hurt to try and find healing - and that can only come from forgiveness.

Yes. Forgiveness is the one bold choice open to us which will clear our lives of all anger, resentment, bitterness, hatred and above all, the desire for revenge. We need to forgive and resume our relationship with our loved ones - spouse, parent, child, siblings or friends - pick up the threads and take care of any unfinished important business we need to before it is too late. We have to ask ourselves, "Do I really want to waste precious time and energy carrying around these nasty and negative feelings for someone I deeply care for?" Always remember - time is of the essence and there is the possibility that our time may run out before we get the chance to make amends.

When we forgive others, we not only mend our relationships, but we learn to heal ourselves in the bargain. When we refuse to forgive, we leave a negative part of our being with the other person - a part that always reminds us of the conflict and the turmoil. When we let go of our anger, the negative portion disappears and we are free to put it behind us and begin all over again.

The person may have caused a lot of damage that may be impossible to forget, but forgiving doesn`t mean you erase everything from your memory. It is only the negative feelings that you put behind so that it does not infect the relationship. Instead of sweeping the problem under the carpet, you should discuss your feelings with that person, thereby subtly informing him/her that you are hurt, but that you are more concerned about repairing your broken relationship. Open discussion will help to heal; negative feelings if allowed to fester will slowly but surely shut out the other person from our lives. Finding it difficult to make the first move? Just put yourself in the other person`s shoes. She is probably feeling miserable too and is longing for your forgiveness. She might have blurted something on impulse without comprehending the impact and hurt it might have on you and must be squirming inside. A mutual forgiveness will ease the tension and set matters right. Just make your peace. Life, as we said earlier, is too short for you to harbour negative feelings. Open the closed door, break down those self built walls, put the past behind you and you will be amazed at how light you feel! Healing, freedom and peace all come flooding back into your life leaving you happy and fulfilled.

Come on, give forgiveness a try! Bring healing and peace back into your lives. It will work because it is right.