What does forgiving entail?

[centraljersian]

Forgive, but don't forget is my motto. You should forgive people, but if the relationship is hurtful or abusive, then you should let it go. That doesn't mean you are holding a grudge. It just means that you are being smart about things and are not going to let people walk all over you. We all have friendships in life that we outgrow or need to end if they end up hurting us. That doesn't make you any less of a Christian.

[purehuman]

Originally Posted by Nero777

Recently, I was involved in a bitter dispute with a friend of mine that really escalated to the point that we probably will not speak to each other again. During a cooling off period, I was asking myself what I should do about the matter; while thinking, a voice "popped" in and told me that I should just forgive him and try to let it go. After a while, I wanted to try and reconcile, but in a moment of pride just completely blew up in his face. I apologized a little later, but I feel the damage is done. I don't want to hold anything against him, but I can't seem to get over how frustrated I was with him. That's why I am asking this question; if you forgive someone, does that mean you absolve them of everything they did and agree to never hold it against them again or does it mean to absolve them yet retain the knowledge of their actions so as to not fall into the trap again. Personally, I am inclined to follow the second one, but everytime I recall what happened I just get mad again. What do I do?

Forgiveness is for yourself...so that you can feel at peace....it's waaaaay easier than staying angry...way less energy. Forgiveness NEVER absolves them from their wrong doing and OF COURSE you're going to hold it against them...by doing exactly what you said.....remembering what they've done so that you don't "fall into" that trap again.