![\"ForgiveBlog\"](\"https:\/\/corehealingfromtrauma.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/ForgiveBlog-300x231.jpeg\" "\\"ForgiveBlog\\"")
\nAll of us experience situations, people, or events that fuel emotional pain. Forgiveness helps us release that pain to move forward into new opportunities. Traumatic memories\u2014from hurts and rejection to relationship wounds\u2014are stored in the brain\u2019s amygdalae and can be repeatedly reactivated by any of our five senses. The choice to forgive<\/strong> frees us from lingering resentments that can keep us mentally, physically, or emotionally stuck in the past. William Walton explained, \u201cTo carry a grudge is like being stung to death by one bee.\u201d<\/p>\n Forgiveness is a transaction, a choice<\/strong> to obey God<\/strong>\u2014sometimes long before we feel like forgiving. (Altered feelings follow the decision to forgive.) Any time we forgive, we\u2019re releasing distressing burdens to God, and our lives are transformed, even when reconciling with the offender is impossible. God says, Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, \u2018Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,\u2019 says the Lord <\/em>(Romans 12:14, 17,19, NKJV).<\/p>\n Romans 12:18 explains: If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone<\/em>, which indicates forgiveness doesn\u2019t necessarily include reconciliation.<\/strong> Please seek wise counsel before trying to “live at peace”\u00a0 with someone who is physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, or sexually abusive. Unless the offender repents of abusive behavior, humbly asks for your forgiveness, and exhibits genuine remorse, it\u2019s likely not wise for you to be with that person.<\/p>\n Philip Yancey said, \u201cIn the final analysis, forgiveness is an act of faith<\/strong>. It is the belief that God can take care of the fairness problems. It is not fair just to pretend that something doesn\u2019t happen. It still hurts, it still stings. Forgiveness is not fair, but forgiveness is a way of taking that burden from us and giving it to God.\u201d<\/p>\n Writing<\/strong> forgiveness letters can help you heal and grow:<\/strong><\/p>\n The process of writing forgiveness letters can help you remember your choice to forgive. <\/strong>\u00a0Any time you feel the sting of old wounds, tell yourself, \u201cI distinctly remember forgiving that.\u201d Even if those who wounded you have died, you can still write forgiveness letters to them, releasing bitterness, shame, rejection, or fear to the Good Shepherd\u2019s perfect care.<\/p>\n C<\/strong>ontinue moving forward in forgiveness<\/strong>, assured God hates evil and injustice in the world He designed to experience life, freedom, and love. In this is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation (the atoning sacrifice) for our sins<\/em> (1 John 4:10, AMP).<\/p>\n\n
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