What is your recommendation for my helping a friend consider forgiveness when she is very angry about what happened? I worry that if I use the word “forgiveness” she will quickly dismiss it. 

You could start this way: You could start with yourself and gently describe how you overcame deep anger by forgiving someone who was unfair to you. It is important, in such a conversation, that you keep the focus at first on yourself. It also is important that you describe what forgiveness is, including that it does not excuse unjust behavior. If your friend sees your success in forgiving and understands what forgiveness is and is not, she may eventually be open to the possibility of forgiveness. Please keep in mind that this is her choice, whether to forgive or not.

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