Do you forgive out of fear or obligation?

When you forgive somebody, is it alright to forgive them simply because you fear how God will treat you if you don't forgive them? The answer seems obvious, but if you really don't feel like forgiving...

Q: Do you forgive out of fear or obligation?

When you forgive somebody, is it alright to forgive them simply because you fear how God will treat you if you don't forgive them? The answer seems obvious, but if you really don't feel like forgiving, but know it is required of you because scripture makes it clear that you are obligated to forgive, what other motivation is there to extend forgiveness other than to fear what may happen to you otherwise?

(This is a reader submitted question. Its contents may have been edited, and all personal information has been removed)

A: Forgiveness can only happen voluntarily--and God knows this. There are no requirements to forgive, but it is totally necessary if you truly want to heal your life and be part of why the lives of those around you become more open for healing.

When you believe you can't forgive, or simply do not feel like forgiving--or feel it is totally impossible that you ever will forgive, then don't waste your time pretending to forgive. Instead, work towards something you think is possible or more likely possible. You might think it impossible to forgive somebody, but if you can see, even a tiny bit, that being forgiving would be the better thing, then start from there. Ask that you might be able to forgive. Be open to learn again, how to forgive.

Forgiveness, in it's truest form, is an act of totally washing the slate clean of how you think a person or thing has wronged you. With a clean slate, you start over in your relationship and do not use the past as a guide to how you see this person or thing today. With the past cut loose, the way you see today and the way you see the possibilities of the future, are totally new and without restriction of goodness, kindness and blessing.

For an even deeper look at forgiveness, please see the article When You Can't Forgive

David Nelmes - David is a Reiki Master, author and teacher who has a genuine and powerful sense of healing, teaching and writing. His desire to share his knowledge about energy work has manifested itself through his web site's services, courses and articles, and they are a testimony to the quality and power of what he has to share.

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