Why Forgiveness Is Important

When someone has wronged you, at times the first instinct is to lash out and seek revenge. It’s understandable to want to seethe in your anger and feel the breadth of emotions, but ultimately, only one thing will benefit you in the end: forgiveness. Emotional damage can come in all shapes and forms – a best friend who broke your trust, a parent who forgot to attend their child’s play, an abusive spouse, even something as small as a stranger who accidentally spilled coffee onto you on the subway. You don’t always need to forget, but it always helps to forgive.

It certainly isn’t an easy task. Forgiveness can take days, months, or even years. It’s only human to hold a grudge, especially if you feel as though the magnitude of their wrongdoing holds so much weight.

In a series of photographs in the New York Times, even citizens in Rwanda who were affected by genocide, mass killings, and violent crimes, were able to forgive the individuals who sinned against them, with some even holding the hands of perpetrators who robbed their homes.

Experts say that forgiving someone can impact not only your emotional wellbeing, but your physical health as well. It can improve your sleep quality, help lower blood pressure, and even decrease cholesterol levels.

Letting go of the resentment and bitterness can free up your energy for more positive actions and thoughts. All the time you put into being angry can be better used for other things and help you focus on the good in your life, as well as the good in others. After all, you are not immune to mistakes and slip-ups. You too can only hope for forgiveness from others.  Think Peace.

Giving your blessing can also create a sense of peace within other people and help change their lives. Some feel so broken down and hopeless, that it might just take your act of forgiveness to help bring them up from their slump and show that there is light in their lives.

It is important to note that you should only forgive when you are ready, and it will come to you. Its impact is invaluable and can foster compassion and understanding, helping you and your loved ones to move forward.