Forgiveness should never be dependent on an apology. Forgiveness should be based on an intentional will to release and move forward. Somewhere in life, we were taught that we should forgive after an apology has been given or after someone has expressed sorrowfulness towards us. However, great strength is shown when one can forgive without the other party offering an apology- verbally or non-verbally. It takes a powerful person to forgive someone who shows no remorse for offending you but you can do it! As we’ve been taught, forgiveness is not for the other person but its for you. Being able to forgive signifies that neither the person nor the offense has any control or influence in your life. Being able to forgive frees you from carrying the burden of offense and it prevents bitterness from taking root. After all, none of us would like to be characterized as the “bitter one.” But since we all know someone who is bitter, we can see the effects of un-forgiveness. This goes deeper than holding on to offense because of the thought of “getting back at the person who offended us” or not forgiving because we don’t want to be seen as the “push over,” this is for your sake. Not only that, but intentional forgiveness shows maturity and it serves as one of the many layers of this thing called “thick skin.” Be bigger. Be intentional.
True forgiveness is ALWAYS intentional.
