The Power of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is powerful. In fact, forgiving others (and yourself) is a part of caring—a quality we teach and implement in our programs here at Moorelands Kids.

Often when we have to forgive it’s because somebody did something negative or harmful.

This is why forgiveness can be one of the hardest, yet most powerful things we do.

Why is Forgiveness so Powerful?

1. FORIGVENESS HAS HEALTH BENEFITS!

According to Harvard Health Publishing and Berkeley Education, the power of forgiveness is seen in how it affects our health! It…

• lowers anxiety and depression;
• raises self-esteem;
• and lowers stress by decreasing blood pressure.

While there are tangible individual benefits, the power of forgiveness extends to the world beyond ourselves as well!

2. FORGIVENESS IMPROVES OUR RELATIONSHIPS

A big part of maintaining the work, friend, and family relationships we have means practicing forgiveness. Forgiveness helps you let go of resentment and engage with more confidence and positivity. Without a doubt, it takes vulnerability and understanding to forgive someone—especially if they have wronged you in a significant way. Nonetheless, letting go is necessary, and forgiveness helps you to avoid conflicts, disagreements, and overall negativity in your life.

Of course, there is no way to completely avoid negativity—we are human after all! Even still, forgiveness has the power to overcome negativity and improve our relationships.

3. FORGIVENESS INCREASES CONNECTION

Humans need connection with others! Caring and forgiveness is inherent to our relationships with others and can inspire positive emotions and healthy relationships. Without forgiving others, we can easily self-isolate and trap ourselves in loneliness. Forgiveness breaks down the walls that separate us from meaningful connections and relationships with those around us.

With increased connection, the power of forgiveness can lead to success in life. This chain reaction is what leads to building a resilient, empathetic society.

4. FORGIVENESS DEVELOPS CHARACTER

The power of forgiveness forgiveness develops our character and changes us for the best! Research has shown that teaching forgiveness leads to positive character development in youth. This may look like:

• the ability to connect with others, despite differing perspectives;
• a willingness to apply critical thinking to humans morals and values;
• the integration of “behavioural, cognitive and emotional elements of moral functioning” in our daily lives (Neng Lin, Enright & Klatt, 2011)

5. FORGIVENESS MAKES US MORE COMPASSIONATE

You might be wondering what exactly we mean by “compassion”… According to Berkeley Education, compassion is the combination of empathy and the desire to help.

When we forgive others, we hold the power to put ourselves in the shoes of others and lessen their burden of guilt and shame. Essentially, compassion means we both have the empathy to understand how others are feeling and the drive to do something about it.

As we practice forgiveness, we become more compassionate. This extends toward everyone we encounter in our daily lives. The more we practice, the more willing we are to help those in need—even if we don’t know them!

6. FORGIVENESS LEADS TO A MORE COMPASSIONATE WORLD

Compassionate individuals leads to a compassionate world—that’s the power of forgiveness. Imagine how different the world would be if we all practiced forgiveness and lent a helping hand to those who need it. We would be able to improve relationships with others and positively develop as individuals. It may start small—starting with you—but forgiveness has a BIG impact…a world-wide impact.

Ever heard the expression “be the change you want to see in the world”? Well often, that looks like forgiveness.

Read how forgiveness from some of the greatest leaders impacted the world here.

Practice the art of letting go and empower others with the power forgiveness! 

by Angel Persaud and Kyle Dedecker

From Forgiveness to Change