When we forgive, does our anger characteristically go away completely?
The answer depends on the depth of the hurt and who hurt us. If we are profoundly hurt, for example, by a spouse who is supposed to be good to us, even when we forgive, some residual anger can remain. In this circumstance, you might consider persevering in forgiving even when you sense that you have forgiven well. Some residual anger is not an indication that you are unforgiving. As the late Lewis Smedes said in his book, Forgive and Forget (1984), we are all imperfect forgivers. Therefore, all anger will not necessarily fade in the circumstance of serious injustice. The good news is that the anger no longer will be controlling you, but you will be in control of your anger.
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