Forgiving oneself is hard to do, let alone forgiving others. But in order to move on, forgiveness is key. Dr. Karl Menninger, a well-known psychiatrist, once said that if he “could convince the patients in psychiatric hospitals that their sins were forgiven, 75 percent of them could walk out the next day.” This proves that achieving forgiveness can set people free from their troubles and hardship.
The book, Reflections on Forgiveness and Spiritual Growth, contains a chapter about the findings from a national survey on Americans’ thoughts about forgiveness:
- More than 83% reported that they would need God’s help in order to forgive someone.
- Only 15% indicated they could forgive someone on their own.
- People who tend to be forgiving report more satisfaction in life.
While it may be difficult to find forgiveness, holding on to anger and resentment can be detrimental to our spiritual and physical well-being.
A great example of attaining relief through absolution is found in Joseph’s story in the Hebrew Scripture. Prior to becoming second in command of Egypt, Joseph endured many hardships. Sold into slavery by his own brothers because of their jealousy and greed, Joseph was left sad and alone.
Joseph’s brothers lived with this secret for many years, leaving their family in pain and Joseph suffering from rejection. Though forgiveness may have seemed impossible after all he had endured, Joseph still found it within himself to do so.
When a food shortage took place throughout the land, he was forced to reconnect with his siblings, and ultimately forgave them for all they had done. In return, his brothers were given a new view on life, while he was made whole by his actions.
Sometimes people find it in their heart to forgive others without even being asked. This is an admirable asset–a power to see the good in others even if they have brought you harm. A child who was killed in a concentration camp wrote a prayer that was later discovered.
It read:
O Lord, remember not only the men and woman of good will, but also those of ill will. But do not remember all of the suffering they have inflicted upon us: Instead remember the fruits we have borne because of this suffering, our fellowship, our loyalty to one another, our humility, our courage, our generosity, the greatness of heart that has grown from this trouble. When our persecutors come to be judged by you, let all of these fruits that we have borne be their forgiveness.
This should be a lesson to all of us; a young child uprooted from his life because of his religion, was still able to forgive those who killed him and possibly his family, too. May we have the courage to forgive as this child did and experience the healing power of forgiveness.
