ABOUT FORGIVENESS

Processing hurt and anger in a positive way is essential if we are to speak affirming words. Typically, our words are an overflow of what is going on in our hearts. If we have not successfully dealt with hurt and anger, we will probably come out fighting, and our words will be destructive rather than loving
None of us is perfect. We do not always do the best or right thing. We have sometimes done and said hurtful things to those around us. We cannot erase the past, we can only confess it and aggress that it was wrong. WE can ask for forgiveness and try to act differently in t5he future. Having confessed my failure and asked forgiveness I can pursue the possibility of restitution. Can I do something that will make up for the pain I have caused you?” is a loving question.
When I have been wronged and the person has confessed and requested forgiveness, I have the option of forgiving or demanding justice. If I choose justice and seek to pay the individual back for what he or she has done to me, I am making myself the judge and the other person the felon. If, however, I choose to forgive, the reconciliation becomes a possibility

Many singles mess up every new day with yesterday. They insist on bringing into today the failure of yesterday, and in so doing pollute a potentially wonderful day. When bitterness, resentment, and revenge are allowed to live in the human heart, words of affirmation will be impossible to speak. The best thing we can do with failures of the past is to let them be history
Yes, it happened. Certainly it hurt. It may still hurt. But either the person has acknowledged his or her failure and I have chosen to forgive the individual, or he/she persist in the wrong behavior and I choose to release that person to God, knowing that he is a God of justices as well as mercy. I refuse to allow the other’s behavior to destroy my life today.
Releasing the person is not forgiveness. Forgiveness is a respond to confession. It is rather a releasing of my hurt and anger in spite of the wrong they have done to me. It does not restore and relationship, but allows me to live my life in peace and love others
If one wishes to be a lover, he must look carefully at the words he uses when he talks to co-workers, neighbors, close friends, parent, former spouse, roommate, and the sales clerks at the local store. What I say and the way I say it will influence the climate of my relationship. Words of affirmation enhance relationships. Harsh, condemning words destroy relationships
Remember, love is a choice. Choose to love others