Why should we forgive?
Ghandi had many interesting things to say about forgiveness. Two of his most famous quotes were "The weak can never forgive, forgiveness is the attribue of the strong" and "An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind". Are you strong or are you weak? The world famous boxer and muslim Muhammad Ali said that we must forgive each other - a very strong and couragous person indeed. If you want to see the brave, look to those who can forgive.
We only have to look to the media to see how forgiveness is benificial. There is work being done in troubled parts of Ireland by people such as Fred Luskin in an attempt to heal those affected by violence. Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Tutu said forgiveness played an active part in ending aparteid. Often we are confronted with stories about forgiving families of victems of murder. It's clear that without forgiveness the world would be a harder and less joyfull place to live.
There is research being done that suggests forgiveness is not only psychologically benificial but can also change our physiology. An act of forgiveness allows the body and brain to opperate in ways before not possible, lowering blood pressure, cardio-vascular changes etc. It also allows us to become more compassionate and loveable human beings. Often in films we see the protagonist overcomming adversity and returning love for hatred.
Being an advocate of forgiveness hasn't been an easy place for me to reach. I've learned some tough lessons along my journey. Mainly that what you do for others, others will do for you. It takes a proud person indeed who thinks they have no need for forgiveness. If you want to be forgiven for some sin or act that you have done wrong - first you must forgive.
We only have to look to the media to see how forgiveness is benificial. There is work being done in troubled parts of Ireland by people such as Fred Luskin in an attempt to heal those affected by violence. Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Tutu said forgiveness played an active part in ending aparteid. Often we are confronted with stories about forgiving families of victems of murder. It's clear that without forgiveness the world would be a harder and less joyfull place to live.
There is research being done that suggests forgiveness is not only psychologically benificial but can also change our physiology. An act of forgiveness allows the body and brain to opperate in ways before not possible, lowering blood pressure, cardio-vascular changes etc. It also allows us to become more compassionate and loveable human beings. Often in films we see the protagonist overcomming adversity and returning love for hatred.
Being an advocate of forgiveness hasn't been an easy place for me to reach. I've learned some tough lessons along my journey. Mainly that what you do for others, others will do for you. It takes a proud person indeed who thinks they have no need for forgiveness. If you want to be forgiven for some sin or act that you have done wrong - first you must forgive.