Last week, we discussed four effective strategies for dealing with difficult disagreements. But to be honest, when it comes to correctly resolving disputes, ultimately, it’s a matter of forgiveness.
Before going on, you may have some honest reflection to do. I invite you to revisit your unhealed wounded past. It may date back many years, it may bring to mind the face of a parent, child, friend, former mate, fellow employee, boss, coach, or sibling. They’ve wounded you. The pain has lingered all these years. You can’t even hear their name or see a photograph without all the anger and mistrust flooding your soul like a river overtaking its banks.
My friend, it’s time to move on. Seek a solution. Get help from someone else, if you must. But get on with it. Whatever it takes to be free, do that.
By forgiving, you’re not condoning what they did to you. It’s releasing the hurt they caused and not allowing bitterness to settle and ruin your life.
To put that into practice, let’s ponder the following questions:
- Think of a time when someone deeply hurt or wronged you. What has been the biggest roadblock to forgiving that person? What fears or doubts have held you back from letting go?
- How has holding onto anger, bitterness or resentment impacted your life over the years? In what ways has it weighed you down or prevented you from fully moving forward?
- How can you shift your perspective on the act of forgiveness from being about the other person to being about your own healing and peace of mind?
Got a little homework to do? Get started on it before it gets too late and you lose your way home.
I’d love to hear about your experience. Share with me by leaving a comment below.
Excerpt taken from Insight for Living by Chuck Swindoll.