I Believe Forgiveness Must Be Earned

I would never guilt anyone into forgiving, but I do believe that forgiving is not for the person who did wrong, but for me.

As long as I hold bitterness in my heart, it damages me, not them. Most often they neither know nor care.

I understand what you’re saying. But some people think forgiveness [b]always[/b] means letting the offender back into your life, behaving as if nothing happened.
I don’t agree with that.
There are people I’ve forgiven, as much as I’m humanly able. I no longer wish them harm, they no longer haunt my thoughts or live rent-free in my consciousness. I’m free to go on with my life. That doesn’t mean I don’t [b]also[/b] recognize that for the sake of [b]my[/b] continued well-being, they no longer have a place in it.

Forgiving doesn’t mean [b]forgetting[/b].

While I certainly don't think anyone should force anyone into feeling a certain way, I'm one of those people who believe forgiveness is for ones self and not for who did you wrong. If you've been able to process and successfully move on that's fantastic.

I can relate.😔 It is hard to forgive people that have abused you, but it's harder to stay bitter inside over it. So I've released it, trying to forgive as best I can so I don't stay sick inside. It doesn't mean I have to let them back in my life though. I did it for me.🌟

I don't forgive people beyond a certain point. I simply won't allow people even a snowball's chance in hell of "earning" it.

Forgiving doesn't equal forgetting. They are separate ideas. Some things can never be forgiven. Some never forgotten. I don't believe that not forgiving is a poison either if it teaches you a valuable lesson. And closure isn't always possible.

You’ve read my thoughts on this subject. I wholeheartedly agree.

I agree

Agreed