I have someone in my life right now who is getting on my last nerve. It’s almost as if they are doing it on purpose. They throw out daily little insults that seem like joking but can be really hurtful. I try to be pleasant and understanding. Sometimes I can’t understand but I still try to let things go. I tell myself this person must be in a lot of pain to act this way.
Forgiveness can be tough. Sometimes it feels like the last thing you want to do. But the forgiver is always better off for the act of forgiveness. It brings peace.
To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you. — Lewis B. Smedes, author of The Art of Forgiving
Your #DolceVita action for this week: Forgive
No one is perfect. While some people seem self-centered and ignorant, they may be going through something that is distracting them. You never know what is going on in someone’s life. Try to have empathy. I’ve written before about practicing compassion.
I know it’s difficult at times to let things roll off. My first instincts are either to clam up or fight back. But I’m learning that to forgive is divine.
Let me know if you’ve ever had a situation like this. Did forgiveness help? Did it help you more than the person you were forgiving?
I agree – forgiveness can be very difficult. I can relate to your situation. I am in the process of forgiveness with someone in my life right now as well. It can be a long journey, and, in my situation, I know I can never trust this person again because it is a long-standing pattern. However, I know that forgiving her will help me to get past it and move on.
Forgiveness truly is a gift we give to ourselves, not the offender. I hope that the person or situation that is hurting you resolves quickly.