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The importance of forgiving those who have betrayed and hurt us cannot be overemphasized.
A lot of messages and sermons have been done to buttress it's importance. Stressing on the need to forgive and forget.
However, i have come to a realization that in as much forgiveness is important, it should be done out of free will and not under duress from anyone, be it a friend or significant other. Neither should you be overwhelmed by the guilt of not having to forgive someone.
Sincerely, Forgiveness is a gradual process.
A times when we focus more on forgiving those who have wronged us, it somehow stagnates us. It keeps us meditating on the gravity of pain they have put us through; causing more harm to us on a daily basis.
For one to forgive and probably forget, you should be focusing more on YOU to become successful, think more on building yourself. Make up your mind to grow each day and see that individual as human who makes mistake even though, you can never be mean as they were to you.
A times, TIME doesn't heal those wounds but your personal decision to succeed and progress does.
Also, don't be deceived by being close again to those who have hurt you just to show you have forgiven them especially when they never showed any form of remorse for their mistakes.
Its perfectly alright to keep your distance from them especially when they show no signs of remorse. This doesn't mean you've not forgiven them but shows you love your self and your peace and well being matters to you. It shows you love yourself.
Forgive but don't be fooled over again by them. Love and Guard yourself.