
From Dr. Fred Luskin’s Forgive for Good:A Proven Prescription for Health and Happiness (HarperSanFrancisco, 2002)
What forgiveness is NOT:
What forgiveness is NOT:
- Forgiveness is not condoning unkindness.
- Forgiveness is not forgetting that something painful happened.
- Forgiveness is not excusing poor behavior.
- Forgiveness does not have to be an otherworldly or religious experience.
- Forgiveness is not denying or minimizing your hurt.
- Forgiveness does not mean reconciling with the offender.
- Forgiveness does not mean you give up having feelings.
- Forgiveness does not exclude or preclude justice.
What IS forgiveness?
- Forgiveness is the peace you learn to feel when you let go of unresolved grievances.
- Forgiveness is for you and not the offender.
- Forgiveness is taking back your power.
- Forgiveness is taking responsibility for how you feel.
- Forgiveness is about your healing and not about the people who hurt you.
- Forgiveness is a trainable skill just like learning to throw a baseball.
- Forgiveness helps you get control over your feelings.
- Forgiveness can improve your mental and physical health.
- Forgiveness is becoming a hero instead of a victim.
- Forgiveness is a choice.
- Everyone can learn to forgive.