Unlike other traits,

it’s not an action or attitude.

It’s a process.

What is it? What is the result? How do I communicate it? How do I cultivate it?
 A process of the way we view someone or
something that has happened

WRONGDOING

REACTION OR RESULT

DECISION TO FORGIVE

FORGIVENESS REVISITED

AGAIN

AGAIN

What is it? What is the result? How do I communicate it ? How do I cultivate it?
 What if I refuse to forgive?
Remain tied to past hurts
Frequent feelings of anger or hostility
Chronic depression or emotional pain
Unable to change or move on

What if I choose to forgive?

Freedom from resentment and anger
Reduced depression, anxiety, pain
Improved relationships
Psychological well-being _

What is it? What is the result? How do I communicate it ? How do I cultivate it?
 Do I wait for him to ask for forgiveness?
Do I have to say the words “I forgive you”?

Indirect – an internal decision to let it go and

move on in the relationship

Direct – verbal and/or nonverbal statement of forgiveness,

a deliberate act of generosity toward the wrongdoer

Conditional – a mutual agreement to move on

if and only if the wrongdoer meets your demands

What is it? What is the result? How do I communicate it ? How do I cultivate it?
 How did these people forgive?

The Amish community

The Rwandan woman

whose family was
murdered

Deborah, whose
husband cheated
on her

What is it? What is the result? How do I communicate it ? How do I cultivate it?
 When do you forgive?
How do you forgive?
What do you say?
What do you do?
How do you act?

What is it? What is the result? How do I communicate it ? How do I cultivate it?
 Acknowledge the common humanity in all of us
that leads us to act selfishly or make mistakes

We are all capable of offending others.

We are all capable of granting forgiveness.

What is it? What is the result? How do I communicate it ? How do I cultivate it?