Truths About Forgiveness

Forgiveness requires empathy.
"I think it means...putting yourself in the position of the other person, and wiping away any sort of resentment and antagonism you feel toward them."
Jimmy Carter, 39th President of the United States of America

Research on this topic:
"Forgiveness & Community: A Game Theoretic Analysis"
"Does Forgiveness Enhance Brain Activation Associated with Empathy in Victims of Assault?"

Forgiveness is essential to recovery.
"When a deep injury is done to us, we never recover until we forgive."
Alan Paton, author of Cry, the Beloved Country

Research on this topic:
"Forgiveness and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa"

"Forgiving is an act of mercy toward and offender. We are no longer controlled by angry feelings toward this person."
Robert D. Enright, PhD. Forgiveness is a Choice

Research on this topic:
"Forgiveness from Evolutionary & Cross-cultural Perspective"
"Victimization vs. Forgiveness"

Forgiveness is a journey to freedom.
"Forgiveness works directly on the emotion of anger (and related constructs such as resentment, hostility, or hatred) by diminishing its intensity or level within the mind and heart."
Richard Fitzgibbons, "Anger and the Healing Power of Forgiveness: A Psychiatrist's View"

Research on this topic:
"Secular & Spiritual Forgiveness Interventions for Recovering Alcoholics: A Patient-treatment Matching Study"