Stage 6 - Forgivness

Is forgiveness only when you let someone off the hook that did you wrong or offended you? Is it forgetting the event and never mentioning it or thinking about it again? Does the person you are forgiving have to be present in order for forgiveness to take place or for them to except your request for forgiveness? Who and when do you forgive? Friends, family but not enemies or ex’s? In a sense, it’s a combination of it all.
Forgiveness first is for you. Contrary to what you may think, the act of forgiveness is for you. When you release the person who has offended you, you release the anger, bitterness, and pain associated with the offense. You are the one who receives the reward of deliverance. I cried out to God for help. I had to allow God to show me how to forgive, how to let go even though I so badly wanted to hold on to it.  This indescribable peace would come over me at times when normally I would become angry. Learn to forgive for you.

Matthew 6:12-14
Isaiah 43:25