Forgiveness: A Path Toward Peace

For many who grieve, we are left with many muddled emotions. Some of those emotions may include anger. Perhaps for our person leaving us too soon; for questions that will never be answered; an accident that might have been avoided – if only they had listened to you; or a sickness that could have been prevented, to name only a few.

Someone you know may have died before you’ve offered forgiveness for an offense they’ve bestowed upon you. You may even feel cheated out of the opportunity. However, it is still possible to find closure and peace in your heart when you intentionally forgive someone. For those of us left with anger, forgiveness is pivotal for a greater sense of peace.

What is Forgiveness?

Psychologists generally define forgiveness as a conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment toward a person. Forgiveness is acceptance of circumstances. Through acceptance, we may face the world’s beauty and faults through clear eyes rather than clinging to how things might have been if events had unfolded differently.

When we unburden ourselves of the anger and resentment, we may find acceptance for what the other person has done with compassion or the things we can’t or could not control. We also stop living in the past and may begin to focus on what we can do today to work for peace.

What Forgiveness is Not

Forgiveness does not mean that we condone a behavior, nor does it mean that we turn our backs on the wreckage caused by bad decisions. We may not like the person being forgiven, though acceptance may open that door.

Forgiveness After Loss

Forgiveness requires work, especially if a loved one died at the hands of another person’s actions or decisions. When we have been grievously harmed, it takes time and effort to arrive at a place of real acceptance. We may have to continue practicing and progressing for years, but diligent forgiveness is invaluable in letting go of anger and embracing newfound peace.

A valuable part of granting forgiveness includes acceptance for where we have fallen short ourselves too. Be kind to yourself and have forgiveness over the things we could not control. In doing so, we open an opportunity to peace, healing, and a hopeful future.

Community, Support & Connections

If you need support or more information, feel free to peruse some of our programs on Healgrief.org or join a community of understanding through the AMF App. Peace is possible.