Comments on: The Power of Forgiveness and The Cancer of Holding a Grudge

By: Natalie

Natalie — Fri, 03 May 2013 18:38:17 +0000

In a brief summary here is what has happened in my marriage. Husband cheated on me with a prostitute(who used a condom with him) on a business trip (first time away from home) in the Phillipines. Confessed it to me 10 months after it happened.No STD’s or HIV, I immediately got tested!!! We have been to marriage counselling and seeing our priest. Married 27 years. He can’t answer the age old question of Why he did this?He is deeply remorseful etc.. I know forgiveness takes time, and I have emotional reactions when I speak to him, although I try to be civil. I am on the fence as to whether I will stay or leave and he know’s that. I am going away for 10 days to be alone and reflect on me,myself and I .Thank you for your blog!!!!

By: Joyce Halladay

Joyce Halladay — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 11:58:14 +0000

Forgiveness is for me. It does not condone or accept the painful actions of others! It gives me permission to move on and live my life, the way God intended. Joyce Meyer says”Hurting people, hurt people. ” I forgive those who have hurt me because I am forgiven!

By: Adam

Adam — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 02:22:07 +0000

I realize we all have different opinions, but personally, it doesn’t mean that we have to forget…just forgive. I absolutely agree that it’s a difficult process but the options are to either help yourself move on or help yourself fall apart. The only thing left to do is to put it in God’s hands because he is the ultimate judge. Thanks Marala for sharing your words.

By: Mayrbear's Lair

Mayrbear's Lair — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 01:37:49 +0000

Thank you so much for this. I grew up in a very abusive house, only because they didn’t know any better. I felt loved, but it was confusing because those who I trusted and loved abused me, tortured me physically and mentally. So while I was tough and didn’t allow people to use me that were friends, colleagues, etc … the ones who I thought loved me … were the ones that were the abusers. That is what I am realizing now … I was taught that narcissistic personality disorder was normal. It wasn’t until recently that I realized this has been the lesson I’ve attracted over and over (ad nauseum) through every close relationship I got involved in … although I have forgiven my abusers, I will not forget these lessons … and do what I can to stand up for others … and teach my own child by my walking my talk … to love and value herself … the way I do now. Thank you again for sharing your love and light.

By: Anna

Anna — Wed, 29 Aug 2012 01:10:39 +0000

I believe Marala’s quote echo’s the heart with “Forgiveness is powerful and hate is too, but one heals and the other destroys.” This says it all. Who are you really doing the damage to? The article is one of the best I’ve read. This is a post worth reading and sharing.

By: tammy

tammy — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 21:50:35 +0000

I think it’s easy to say forgive and forget but some deeds are unforgiveable. Doesn’t anyone agree that it’s not always possible to forgive?

By: Kate

Kate — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 21:32:09 +0000

I think that it is very easy to hold a grudge and not let go but Marala is completely correct…forgiving the ones that have hurt you is not for their benefit, it’s for your own. It’s not like you have to go up to them and tell them you forgive them but it’s something you can do internally. I love this article, especially because it is a tricky topic but very helpful. Thank you for posting this.