The 490 Project

Truth or Consequences

2009-04-27T22:18:00.000-07:00

Forgiveness comes from truth. Truth spoken in love. "You hurt me, but I forgive you." Not all situations are this cut and dry, but they can all be handled as simply as those words. Try it: "You hurt me, but I forgive you."

The Consequences for harboring the bitterness of unforgivness is an internal battle within yourself. Anger, resentment and vindictiveness will begin to build if you hold out on forgiving.

We always have a choice to forgive or not. The sooner the better for you and your health.

Imagine it...

2009-04-27T22:14:00.000-07:00

Forgiveness takes imagination.

Dare yourself to imagine a time in the future where your hurt will not define the relationship that is broken. You can do this by giving up the negative pattern of rehashing what was and focus instead on what can be.

Forgiveness can help you to feel sure about the future, which will bring true healing and allow you the freedom to move forward and live a joyful life.

Memories Fade With Forgiveness

2009-04-27T19:05:00.000-07:00

Forgiveness does not cause you to forget what has happened. What it can do, is take the emotion out of the memory, leaving behind the facts. Which opens the door for reconciliation.

Forgiveness will not erase history. No one can re-write what has happened or the results of the mistakes made. Once forgiveness has been granted, time will pass, healing will take place and the pain will lessen...especially for the person who has turned to God for help in living a forgiving and forgiven life.

The Value of Forgiveness

2009-04-26T22:14:00.000-07:00

Let's start with Science. It's logical, right?

Researchers have recently become interested in studying the effects of being unforgiving and being forgiving. Evidence is mounting that holding on to grudges and bitterness results in long-term health problems.

Forgiveness, on the other hand, offers numerous benefits, including:

Lower blood pressure

Stress reduction

Less hostility

Better anger management skills

Lower heart rate

Lower risk of alcohol or substance abuse

Fewer depression symptoms

Fewer anxiety symptoms

Reduction in chronic pain

More friendships

Healthier relationships

Greater religious or spiritual well-being

Improved psychological well-being

The alternative just does not seem like a good option.