"To err is human..."
This is a true saying and applies to all humans. This erring comes in various forms as people regard offenses differently. What provokes a friend, another friend will just laugh it off if he is on the receiving end of it. You therefore cannot be too careful while dealing with people. Understanding people's likes and dislikes, their irritation, their tolerance limits and so on is essential in building strong and cordial interpersonal relationships.
As much as humans have the capacity to err or to offend people, everyone also has the ability to be offended and in turn, the capacity to forgive offences. Just as individuals' tolerance limits differ, the capacity to forgive also differs. For some people, grudges are like big stone stuck in their throats while for some others, holding grudges is like a way of life as it is so convenient for them. Such people claim it is their nature, or they associate it to a family trend.
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No matter how wealthy or how influential or how big in stature you are, learn to acknowledge your wrongdoings, apologize and be sincere about it. Likewise, when you're offended by someone and such a person apologizes sincerely for the act, try as much as possible to forgive.
It mends relationships;
It habours peace of mind;
Forgiveness sustains relationships.
Furthermore, it is not enough to forgive someone just in your heart alone. It is important that you communicate your forgiveness to your offender. Someone may say "I have forgiven Benjamin but I will have nothing to do with him anymore." or another person might say "I forgive her but I do not want to set my eyes on her, or else... "
A sincere and total act of forgiveness involves you telling the offender that he/she is forgiven. When this is done, you would have assured the person that you hold nothing against him, that you do not intend to revenge or hold that memory against the person in future. When forgiveness is not communicated, it breeds more misunderstandings, the offender will probably continue to live in pain and regret. This at times applies to the offended too.
When you have sincerely forgiven someone's offense, let the person know that you forgive totally and that you hold nothing against him. This communication makes both parties stronger people, makes the relationship better, and makes you live peacefully.
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Forgiveness does not only release the offender, it also heals the injuries of the offended...
