Choosing to forgive Published Sept. 18, 2013 By Chaplain (Maj.) Olga Westfall 94th Airlift Wing Chaplain Office DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- We live in a broken world. Everyone has been hurt by the actions or words of another. Let's admit, we in turn hurt other people either intentionally or unintentionally. These wounds created by hurtful actions or words of others can leave us with lasting feelings of bitterness, anger, and/or even vengeance, but if you don't practice forgiveness, you might be the one who pays most dearly. Hurtful words and actions often lead to feelings of betrayal, alienation, pain and separation. By embracing forgiveness, we can also embrace peace, joy, hope and gratitude. Forgiveness can lead you down the path of physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Wikipedia defines forgiveness as the renunciation or cessation of resentment, indignation or anger as a result of a perceived offence, disagreement, or mistake, or ceasing to demand punishment or restitution. The Oxford English Dictionary defines forgiveness as 'to grant free pardon and to give up all claim on account of an offence or debt'. In a nut shell it is a decision to let go of resentment, hurt and thoughts of revenge. Once when I facilitated a discussion group among veterans, a woman asked me, "Chaplain, what can I do to forgive myself." Sometimes as we seek forgiveness from others we might have a hard time forgiving ourselves. If we can't forgive ourselves, we truly can't forgive others. Forgiveness is not just a word; it is a process that often it takes time and effort to get through. However, the destination is worth it. Forgiveness is a commitment to a process of change. In various Bible Scriptures, a virtue of forgiveness is emphasized numerous times. Forgiveness will open the doors to spiritual growth, inner peace and foster a new understanding of self-awareness. No matter how painful the wound is, with God's help, and time, it can heal, as long as we are dedicated to the process of forgiveness.
