If I engage in the Process Model of forgiveness, is it okay to go back to an earlier unit if I think I need more work on it? For example, I began to have compassion on the one who hurt me, and so I went on to “standing in the pain.” After a while, my compassion began to wane. I think I should go back to that before moving ahead. What do you think?
The process of forgiveness is not a straight line, as you are implying by your question. So yes, it is very reasonable to go back after having dealt with any one of the units in the Process Model. I would recommend, in your case, that you go back to the earlier unit before compassion and begin to think about who the person is who offended you. Such cognitive exercises tend to spark even a little compassion in the forgiver.
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