What does it mean to forgive? Why do we talk of “finding” forgiveness? And who really gains from forgiveness?

• What does forgiveness mean?
  • Dictionary
    Merriam Webster has this simple definition of the word forgive: “to stop feeling anger toward (someone who has done something wrong) : to stop blaming (someone)”
    And also this: “to give up resentment of”
  • To me?
• How did I understand forgiveness before recovery?
  • Forgiving meant condoning the other person’s actions?
  • If I forgave someone, I had to like them, be ok with their company?
  • They had to apologize first?
  • If I forgave, I had to “forget”?
• What new understandings of forgiveness did I discover?
• One of the “gifts of Al-Anon” in From Survival to Recovery is this: “As we gain the ability to forgive our families, the world, and ourselves our choices will expand.”
  • How do I understand this gift?
  • How have I seen it happen in my life?
• How does forgiveness help me?
• What if someone did something truly unforgiveable?
  • How can I forgive them or their action?
  • Why would I want to?
• What story or stories can I share about
  • Finding forgiveness
  • Having difficulty finding forgiveness
  • Forgiving without forgetting.
• What would I say to a newcomer about forgiveness “the Al-Anon way”?

Join our conversation. Please call us at 734-707-8795 or email feedback@therecoveryshow.com with your questions or experience, strength and hope. Or just leave a comment right here.

Music from the show

Christina Aguilera: Hurt

Matthew West: Forgiveness

Parker Ainsworth: The Forgiver