Silent Forgiveness

Forgiveness doesn’t always need to be spoken. In fact, forgiveness must begin in the silence of our hearts. Before approaching someone to offer a verbal apology and to ask for their forgiveness, we must decide if that action will yield positive or negative results. If we approach an individual and there remains within us a trace of blame or judgment, the result might lead to an argument and accusations all over again.

Sometimes we think we are ready to forgive — and be forgiven — when we are not. At these times it is best to practice unspoken forgiveness until we are certain we are ready. If it still doesn’t work, and the breach of trust or friendship remains, we go back to unspoken forgiveness. If we still feel a need to take a specific action, then secret acts of kindness can help bridge the distance.
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If someone is angry at us for something we did, and they refuse to accept our apology, then by secretly showing them acts of kindness we can make their world better in small ways. Don’t disregard the power of these seemingly simple acts of loving forgiveness. Even one has the power to change a life, and as they accumulate over time, they have strength beyond what we can imagine.