The Christmas season is one often associated with forgiveness. Many of the countless Christmas movies on hallmark have themes of forgiveness. When you are surrounded with so many messages, you start considering that forgiveness may be a good idea.
Forgiveness is not just a good idea, it’s a great one. The problem with all the forgiveness going on during this time of year is ‘the motivation for forgiveness.’
When you’re surrounded with messages about forgiving, it becomes a form of peer pressure. At those moments you feel compelled to forgive based on guilt and obligation.
I’ve even encountered those who state you are required to forgive. I understand where they are coming from, yet I contend with them on this issue. Forgiveness based on obligation is often insincere and mechanical.
There’s a time and place for obligatory forgiveness, which I’ll have to address in a future email. Suffice to say when obligation is driving premature forgiveness, it’s not a good thing.
Premature forgiveness halts deep level healing. With premature forgiveness, you give forgiveness without even having a clear idea what the object of the forgiveness is.
If you’re forgiving before you know what you’re forgiving, it could be premature.
If you’re forgiving based on being put on a guilt trip, it could be premature.
If you’re forgiving based on peer pressure, it could be premature.
When it comes to forgiveness, especially related to affairs, your motivation is important. Your motivation for forgiving makes a difference in the outcome.
If you want to know more about forgiveness, download the video, “Forgiveness: Heal the Pain, tear down the walls and remove the obstacles” . It guides you through what forgiveness is and how to do it.
Keeping It Real,
Jeff
