Forgiveness and Faith: How Forgiving Others and Yourself Can Improve Your Life

Relationships

From friendships to romantic partnerships, every relationship can be strengthened by way of forgiveness. Spouses are especially in need of forgiveness, particularly if their marriage is impacted by infidelity, addiction, or other major issues. Among parents and children, forgiveness can prove truly transformative, especially among those who have difficult memories from childhood. Without forgiveness, the traumas of childhood can carry over into the adult years, causing further grief.

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Professional and Academic Success

It’s all but inevitable that, even if you’ve never been wronged as a student, you eventually will in your career. The professional world can be harsh, and it’s likely that you will eventually be outright mistreated or at minimum, taken for granted by bosses and coworkers. Holding a grudge will not take your career where you want, however. The more you dwell on the wrongs you’ve suffered, the less capable you’ll be of taking the steps needed to ensure career success. You can acknowledge wrongdoing and even speak out, but eventually, you’ll need to forgive the transgressor and build professional bridges. This will improve not only your job performance, but also your networking prowess.

The Bible consistently calls on Christians to display forgiveness, even — and especially — when it’s difficult. In Matthew, when Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive after being wronged, the response is “not just 7 times, but rather, 77 times.” Colossians instructs: “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you.” As you pursue forgiveness in your relationships and in academic and professional life, you’ll enjoy better health and a closer relationship with God.