Forgive and Be Free
by Rev. Elizabeth Rowley Hogue
Forgiveness is a spiritual practice that has the power to transform our lives. It is the act of letting go of anger, resentment, and bitterness towards someone who has wronged us and choosing instead to extend compassion and understanding.
At its core, forgiveness is about letting go of the past and moving forward with a clear mind and an open heart. It is not about condoning the actions of the person who hurt us or forgetting what happened. Instead, it is about releasing the hurt’s hold on us and allowing ourselves to heal and grow.
For many of us, accepting the idea of forgiveness can be challenging. We may feel we are justified in our anger and that forgiving someone means giving them a free pass for their behavior. But in reality, forgiveness is not about absolving the other person of responsibility for their actions. Instead, it is about freeing ourselves from the negative emotions that can weigh us down and prevent us from moving forward in our lives.
Forgiveness also has the power to improve our mental and physical health. For example, holding on to anger and resentment can lead to various adverse health effects, including increased stress, anxiety, and depression. By contrast, forgiveness has been shown to positively impact our well-being, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression and improving overall psychological health.
Furthermore, forgiveness can also strengthen our relationships. When we forgive someone, we are able to let go of the resentment and hurt that may have been standing in the way of a healthy relationship. This can open up new possibilities for communication and connection, allowing us to rebuild trust and move forward together.
Of course, forgiveness is not always easy. It can take time, effort, and a willingness to let go of our ego and our need to be right. The benefits of forgiveness are well worth the journey. A wise person once asked, “Do you want to be right, or do you want to be happy?” I’ll take happiness, please. By releasing ourselves from the burden of anger and resentment, we open ourselves up to greater peace, joy, and well-being.
Forgiveness is a decision you make for yourself and your well-being. There is no set formula on when to forgive – it can occur whenever you are ready to do so. As the winter season quickly approaches and the year begins to close, I take time to consider opportunities for forgiveness to have a clean slate for the new year. With a clean slate, I feel supercharged and ready to propel into the new year with laser focus and intention to powerfully create the best year ever!
In conclusion, forgiveness is a spiritual practice that has the power to transform our lives. It allows us to let go of the past, improve our mental and physical health, and strengthen our relationships. It may not be easy, but the rewards of forgiveness are well worth the effort.
And so it is.
