Forgiveness is something everyone feels they deserve but most of us at one time or another have struggled with offering it.

Forgiveness can healthy or it can be unhealthy.  Forgiveness is healthy when it involves the releasing of anger & emotional hurt. The outcome allows one to move forward in life.

How can forgiveness be unhealthy? When it is more of sweeping things under the carpet & pretending that the relationship is okay. Healthy forgiveness has a component of recognizing how a relationship has been damaged. Moving forward in the relationship may involve a form of accountability. It may involve you going to the other party to discuss the issue. If they refuse to engage in a discussion or they try to go on as if nothing has happened, it may be time to recognize the limits of this relationship in your life.

The Bible states that as much as it depends on you & is possible to live at peace with your “brothers & sisters” (Rom. 12:18).  To me this means taking responsibility for your part and offering restitution where needed and possible.  It doesn’t mean allowing yourself to be a doormat for someone else’s dirt to be a constant irritation in your life. Psalm 58:4 says some people have the venom of a snake. Forgiveness doesn’t mean staying within striking range.