Forgiveness is something that you do for yourself. Many people argue that their offender doesn't deserve to be forgiven, but what the offender deserves is entirely beside the point. You deserve to forgive that individual. How many people do you know who are bitter and consumed with hatred because, years ago, someone - a parent, sibling, cousin, aunt, friend, neighbor, teacher, lawyer - did something hurtful to them? The person who hurts you damages your past and controls your present, as long as you allow it. Surely you're not going to give him or her permission to control and negatively influence your future, are you?

You can't go as high as you're capable of going or reach the goals you're capable of reaching when you're carrying the burdens of anger and bitterness. Those are heavy loads to carry, and the chances of your realizing your full potential with those two burdens on your back are nonexistent. Even if you were successful in your profession, how happy would you be as an individual? How many friends have you seen angry or bitter people acquire? How many of them have good relationships with their families and are optimistic, upbeat, and enthusiastic about the future?


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