"And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." (Matthew 6:12, NKJV)
Most people realize that forgiveness is one of the most beneficial actions a person can take, and one of the most difficult. Forgiveness is not forgetting. Sweeping a wrong under the proverbial rug or pretending it didn't happen does not heal the emotional damage caused by the wrong. Vengeance will not heal the hurt. Even if revenge is taken, the hurt will still return each time the wrong is remembered.
Forgiveness involves the following steps:
1. Recognition: Acknowledging a wrong has been done.
2. Release: Making a decision NOT to take revenge, but to let it go.
3. Repetition: Making that decision again and again each time the memory returns until your feelings get in line with the decision.
This process may take years. But it is the only way to truly heal.
