There is this part of forgiveness that we don’t often talk about. It is the part that speaks to the power of what it takes to not be placed in an inhumane prison of emotional and spiritual shame. Most of us at some point have said things and/or done things that have been the source of causing harm to another. For some of us, it is difficult to even look at our own actions outside of justification of them, let alone come to terms with the reality that our actions call for forgiveness.
Being able to identify how we caused harm and making the choice to rectify our behavior is a humbling experience. If this is done with a sincere heart, often we find that there is much to learn and plenty to grow from for ourselves in it. When we are able to ask for forgiveness, which is accepted, and we do the work to change the way in which we relate to and behave towards others for the better, we have to forgive ourselves. It is equally important not to allow ourselves to be placed in a box to be constantly reminded of our wrongdoing, or wear it as a label of who we are. We shouldn’t do this to ourselves nor should we accept it from another.
Part of forgiveness is understanding that the other person has the choice and the right to handle the results of your actions or behavior however they need to. You have the right to move on once your sincere effort is made to rectify the wrong and heal the part your hand played in causing harm. It is very possible that the relationship with that person will change. Sometimes that is part of the process and we have to learn to be okay with the truth of it.
Wounds can heal as long as we are caring for them with healing energy, healing thoughts, healing words and healing behavior.
Ifayinka 