What is forgiveness? According to Webster,” It is the act of forgiving someone or something”[i]. I define forgiveness as making peace with someone, or something. Forgiveness is one of the most important issues that everyone will face in their life. Everyone has been hurt by someone in their life at one point, or another. Plenty of people and religions see forgiveness as decision to let go of grievances and not seek revenge. Forgiveness can affect your well-being. It is one of the greatest power a human can possess. If forgiveness could be a secret potion that could be bottled up and sold it would save a lot of heart-break in the world. What does it mean to really forgive someone? How do you forgive someone? These are the questions that come to one’s mind when you discuss the topic of forgiveness. Majority of the world religions teaches forgiveness although it may differ, it stills uses the same ingredients: Love, open heart, acceptance, peace, prayer, strength, tears, and time. According to Bishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, “To forgive is not just to be Altruistic. “It is the best form of self of self-interest. It is also a process that does not exclude hatred and anger. “These emotions are all a part of being human”. “You should never hate yourself for hating others who do terrible things: the depth of your love is shown by the extent of your anger”. Bishop Desmond Tutu then says in his article, “However, when I talk of forgiveness I mean the belief that you can come out the other side a better person”.” A better person than the one being consumed by anger and hatred. “Remaining in the state locks you in a state of victimhood, making you almost dependent on the perpetrator”. “You can move on, and you can even help the perpetrator to become a better person too”. “If you forgive someone the person you are forgiving should acknowledge their part in it as well”[ii].
[i] Merriam-Webster.
Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 04 Dec. 2015. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forgiveness
[ii] “Desmond
Tutu on Forgiveness”. Write Spirit”. N.p.,n.d,
Web. 04 Dec 2015. http://www.writespirit.net/authors/desmond-tutu/desmond-tutu-on-forgiveness/
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