As long as you have breath, there will be opportunities to be offended as people and circumstances hurt us. The question then becomes, “What do I do when those situations arise?” First of all, we need to learn to forgive and not hang on to those offenses. Forgiveness is not about a feeling as much as it is a choice or decision of our will. Forgiveness is not restoration either; they are two different things. If I choose to forgive someone, it is independent of them. It’s about me making sure I do the right thing. Forgiveness frees us from that person or thing and allows us to move on in life. Unforgiveness stifles us in life and causes us to stop progressing. Studies show that forgiving yourself and others helps depression. We must choose by an act of our will to forgive, no matter what. Forgiveness is about what you do, not what someone else does. Gandhi once said, “The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong”. Let go of offenses and hurts today and allow peace to fill your heart and mind so that you can move forward in your life.

Just a Thought,
PSS
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