Forgiveness is a funny thing

In my post, “Forgiveness leads to freedom,” I talk about different types of forgiveness—toward others, as well as ourselves—and how it frees us. The act of forgiveness, itself, is intentional, voluntary. It isn’t something that happens when we’re not looking, nor does it require an apology to initiate. Over a decade ago, a tragedy struck my family and it took me nearly a year to forgive the person responsible. Fast-forward to a few years ago. More misfortune, this time caused by someone close to me. This particular situation shook me to my core and rendered me a blubbering mess. Unforgiveness took root. But a week or so ago, an event occurred that was a catalyst for me to accept what had happened and admit my unforgiveness would not change the outcome. Again, I chose to forgive. And now my heart is free to fully love again. That’s the funny thing about forgiveness: when we give it, we receive so much more.

Can you forgive someone today?