Safe people offer forgiveness from "summary" of Safe People by Henry Cloud,John Townsend
When someone has hurt us, it can be difficult to offer forgiveness. We may feel justified in holding onto our anger and resentment, believing that the other person doesn't deserve to be forgiven. However, safe people understand the importance of forgiveness in building and maintaining healthy relationships. Forgiveness is not about excusing or minimizing the hurt that was caused. It is about releasing ourselves from the burden of carrying around bitterness and resentment. Safe people recognize that holding onto anger only harms themselves in the long run. By offering forgiveness, they free themselves from the negative emotions that can weigh them down and prevent them from moving forward. Safe people also understand that forgiveness does not mean that they have to continue a relationship with someone who has hurt them. It is possible to forgive someone and still choose to set boundaries or distance oneself from them. Forgiveness is more about letting go of the hurt and anger than it is about reconciling with the other person. In offering forgiveness, safe people demonstrate empathy and compassion. They are able to see the humanity in others, recognizing that everyone makes mistakes and has the capacity for growth and change. By extending forgiveness, safe people create a space for healing and reconciliation to take place, both within themselves and in their relationships with others.- Forgiveness is a choice that safe people make for their own well-being. It is a way to release themselves from the grip of negative emotions and move towards greater emotional freedom and peace. By offering forgiveness, safe people show that they are willing to let go of the past and open themselves up to the possibility of a brighter future.
