Forgiveness

Forgiveness Graphic © InspirationPowerBoost.com

“Forgiveness: Anyone can hold a grudge, but it takes a person with character to forgive.
When you forgive, you release yourself from a painful burden.
Forgiveness doesn’t mean what happened was OK,
and it doesn’t mean that person should still be welcome in your life.
It just means you have made peace with the pain,
and you are ready to let it go.”

The Virtue of Forgiveness

The quote highlights forgiveness as a virtue that requires strength and character. Unlike holding grudges, which often comes easily and naturally, forgiveness is a conscious choice that demands emotional maturity and self-awareness. It’s about making the decision to let go of anger and resentment, not for the sake of the offender, but for one’s peace of mind.

Healing Through Forgiveness

Forgiveness is often misconstrued as a sign of weakness or acceptance of wrongdoing. However, it’s important to recognize that forgiving someone is not about condoning their actions. Rather, it’s a process of healing, of unburdening oneself from the chains of negative emotions that hinder personal growth and happiness.

Setting Boundaries in Forgiveness

The act of forgiving does not imply that the person who hurt you should remain a part of your life. Setting boundaries is a crucial aspect of forgiveness. It’s about protecting your emotional well-being by deciding who gets to be in your life and to what extent. Forgiveness and boundaries can coexist; one can forgive and still choose to keep a safe distance from those who have caused harm.

Ultimately, forgiveness is a journey towards inner peace. It’s a process of making peace with the pain and moving on from it. This journey can be challenging and requires time and patience, but the result is a sense of liberation and a lighter heart.

Historical Example I: Lewis Powell

During the American Civil War, a Confederate soldier named Lewis Powell was captured by Union forces and imprisoned at Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas, Florida. Powell was involved in the conspiracy to assassinate several high-ranking members of the Union government, including Secretary of State William H. Seward.

After the assassination attempt failed, Powell was apprehended and imprisoned. However, one of the fascinating aspects of this anecdote is what occurred many years later. Doctor Samuel Mudd, a physician living in Maryland, was convicted for conspiring with Powell. Mudd gave medical assistance to Powell when he arrived at his house in the aftermath of the assassination attempt. As a result, Mudd was sentenced to life imprisonment at Fort Jefferson alongside Powell.

While serving their sentences, a yellow fever epidemic struck the prison. Despite their extremely tense history and the grudge Powell may have held against Mudd for his conviction, Powell became severely ill with the fever. Mudd, who was known for his medical expertise, selflessly nursed Powell back to health, ultimately saving his life.

The turning point in this anecdote lies in Mudd’s response to Powell’s successful recovery. Although accused and convicted for conspiring in the plot to kill one of America’s most important political figures, Mudd demonstrated great character by choosing to forgive and help Powell in his time of need.

Eventually, the yellow fever epidemic subsided, and President Andrew Johnson, after consulting with the prison authorities, granted pardons to several prisoners, including Dr. Samuel Mudd. The doctor returned to his family and lived the remaining years of his life as a respected and productive member of society.

Historical Example II: Emperor Ashoka

Emperor Ashoka, also known as Ashoka the Great, ruled over a vast empire from 268 to 232 BCE. He was initially known as a ruthless and ambitious ruler, expanding his empire through warfare and bloodshed. However, following his conquest of the region of Kalinga (modern-day Odisha), he witnessed the devastating consequences of his own actions and was deeply affected by the loss of life and suffering he had caused.

Ashoka’s conscience was struck by remorse, leading him to reflect on his actions and search for a path of redemption. Instead of harboring grudges against the people he had conquered, Ashoka decided to devote himself to promoting peace, tolerance, and compassion. He embraced the principles of Buddhism and became one of its most influential patrons.

In an extraordinary act of forgiveness and transformation, Ashoka issued edicts throughout his empire, proclaiming religious tolerance and non-violence. He renounced warfare as a means of expansion and instead focused on promoting the welfare of his people, encouraging education, human rights, and the ethical treatment of animals.

Ashoka’s decision to forgive himself for his past atrocities and to actively work towards the betterment of society showcases the extraordinary depth of his character. He realized that holding grudges and perpetuating violence only leads to suffering and destruction, whereas forgiveness and promoting peace require strength and inner resilience.

Historical Example III: Abraham Lincoln and Edwin Stanton

The story of Abraham Lincoln and Edwin Stanton offers an extraordinary example of forgiveness and character in the face of personal and political grudges. Shortly before the American Civil War, Lincoln, a lawyer from Illinois, found himself opposed to Stanton, a renowned attorney. In a court case, Stanton harshly accused Lincoln of being a “long-armed ape” and an “embryo tyrant.”

Fast forward several years later, and Abraham Lincoln becomes the President of the United States, while Edwin Stanton, recognizing Lincoln’s leadership qualities, becomes his Secretary of War. Throughout the war, Stanton often clashed with Lincoln due to his brusque and demanding nature. However, Lincoln, demonstrating exceptional character, chose to overlook the past animosity and draw on Stanton’s skills and expertise to help save the nation.

Tragically, on the evening of April 14, 1865, John Wilkes Booth assassinated Abraham Lincoln at Ford’s Theatre. As Lincoln lay dying, Stanton famously uttered the words, “Now he belongs to the ages,” and wept for the loss of the President. It was a moment that revealed the depth of Stanton’s respect and admiration for Lincoln, despite their previous differences.

Historical Example IV: Amma

Another historical anecdote that illustrates this saying is the story of Mata Amritanandamayi, a spiritual leader and humanitarian from Kerala, India.

Mata Amritanandamayi, or “Amma” as she is known to her followers, has devoted her life to serving others and spreading love and compassion throughout the world. However, she faced many challenges along the way, including poverty, discrimination, and personal loss.

Despite these difficulties, Amma remained committed to her mission of helping others and forgiving those who wronged her. She famously said, “Forgiveness is like giving someone a second chance, and if you’re strong enough, it’s worth doing.”

Through her example and teachings, Amma demonstrates that forgiveness is not only possible but also essential for leading a fulfilling and purposeful life. She encourages people to embrace forgiveness as a powerful tool for healing and building stronger, more compassionate communities.

Daily Affirmation

“Today, I choose the path of forgiveness. I release myself from the burden of grudges and embrace the peace that comes with letting go.”

Related Inspirational Quotes

“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” – Mahatma Gandhi

“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” – Lewis B. Smedes

“Forgiveness is not always easy. At times, it feels more painful than the wound we suffered, to forgive the one that inflicted it. And yet, there is no peace without forgiveness.” – Marianne Williamson

“Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.” – Nelson Mandela

– “Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future.” – Paul Boese