Forgiveness Part 4: The Benefits of Forgiveness

Forgiveness Part 4: The Benefits of Forgiveness 

by Dana McGee, CIT

During this series we have talked about acknowledging the hurt, empathy, developing compassion, practicing letting go, and again….just because you forgive does not mean you have to accept unacceptable behavior. The final step in forgiveness is thinking of the benefits. What can I possibly gain from forgiving someone that has hurt me? Peace. Peace can bring bonds closer and it can provide closure. The final puzzle piece is finding peace within yourself by not holding on to the grief and resentment of keeping on to grudges. 

It is easy to hold onto grudges; it is harder to let go of bitterness. When researching the benefits of forgiving, research indicates that letting go can positively impact your overhaul heal and wellbeing. Those who let go experience improved health and peace of mind as well as healthier relationships, improved mental health and focus, decreased anxiety and hostility, improved depression and increased self-esteem, stronger immune systems, and lower blood pressure. In a spiritual sense, God would want us to forgive others. “Let all bitterness and werant and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, with all malice, and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” Ephesians 4:31-32. 

Dr. Tyler VanderWele, co-director of the INitiative on Health, Religion, and Spirituality at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health said “When you learn to forgive, you are no longer trapped by the past actions of others and can finally feel free.” In retrospect, when we keep onto that negative energy we are giving someone or something else power over our lives, our emotions, and our behaviors. God should be in control and when we cannot find the strength to forgive someone we should turn to Him and ask for that strength. We should also ask for the guidance to know when just mentally forgiving someone is enough or if we need to tell that person we forgive them to help provide closure. 

Write the list, say the prayers, and find your peace dear friends because life is way too short to hold on to negativity.