Forgive & Forget

blog cover image
19
64
4K followers

Forgiving and forgetting are two intertwined concepts that are often misunderstood. Forgiveness means releasing the anger, resentment and negative emotions towards someone who has wronged you, whereas forgetting refers to wiping out the memory of the wrongdoing completely.Many people believe that forgiveness and forgetting are inseparable, and that forgiving someone means forgetting what they did. However, the truth is that forgiving and forgetting are two distinct processes that require different levels of effort.

Forgiveness is a powerful action that allows individuals to move forward and overcome past hurts. It requires a great deal of emotional maturity and self-awareness to let go of the grudges and resentments towards those who have caused pain. Forgiveness can be difficult, but it is necessary for emotional healing and personal growth. It allows individuals to free themselves from the emotional burden of anger and bitterness, and to move forward with positivity and hope.

Forgiveness is not a one-time event but rather a process that takes time and effort. It involves acknowledging the hurt, expressing emotions, and then deciding to let go of the resentment towards the wrongdoer, Forgiveness does not mean forgetting what happened and moving on from it.

Forgiveness does not mean that the wrongdoer is absolved of the responsibility or that they should be excused for their actions. It simply means that the person who has wronged chooses to release the negative emotions associated with the wrongdoing and move on.

On the other hand, forgetting is not always possible, nor is it always desirable. While it is important to let go of negative emotions associated with the wrongdoing , it is also important to remember what happened in order to learn from it and to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future.

Forgetting can also be dangerous in some situations, such as in cases of abuse and neglect. Forgetting the past can lead to patterns of behavior that perpetuate harmful relationships or situations. It is important to remember what happened in order to protect oneself and to make informed decisions in the future.

Forgiveness and forgetting are two separate but related processes that are essential for emotional healing and personal growth. Forgiveness allows individuals to release negative emotions and move forward with positivity, while forgetting can be useful for learning from past mistakes and protecting oneself from harm. It is important to recognize the differences between the two processes and to practice forgiveness and forgetting in a way that is healthy and beneficial for oneself.


19
64

Join FREE & Launch Your Business!

Exclusive Bonus - Offer Ends at Midnight Today

00

Hours

:

00

Minutes

:

00

Seconds

2,000 AI Credits Worth $10 USD

Build a Logo + Website That Attracts Customers

400 Credits

Discover Hot Niches with AI Market Research

100 Credits

Create SEO Content That Ranks & Converts

800 Credits

Find Affiliate Offers Up to $500/Sale

10 Credits

Access a Community of 2.9M+ Members

By continuing, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
No credit card required

Recent Comments

64

Hi Maria, I have been through a lot in my life time. And forgiveness is the most difficult process to go through for someone. And as for forgetting is also difficult because we in essences have forgotten but we really don't ever forget the wrong that has been done to us.

I have forgiven many people but as for forgetting no that is not happening only because that is that is what makes me stronger and also not to repeat the past. No one ever really forgets the wrong that others have done.

Mary

Thank you for getting these two "events" out for discussion. It is easy to tell one that has been hurt to forgive and forget. Unfortunately, these days those that are hurting others are the very ones to evoke this i.e., "can't forgive and forget? This is what God wants!!" Then the burden is shifted to the one that is hurt. Forgiveness makes meaning and brings healing if the culprit acknowledges his/her wrong, asks to be forgiven, and is willing to go the extra mile to make restitution or amends.
Forgetting, the way I understand means not to lose the memory of the event, but rather, if you forgive one who offended, you do not base on the very wrong you forgave him/her, to judge him/her when another offense is committed.
Once again, thank you so much for this topic.

1

Twinnie, it is always best to forgive, although challenging, it is better for you to let go, make amends and move forward with your life

Even though you won't forget, but when you do remember, it is with a positive effect that you are now free to move forward without any regret

3

Of course. The memory will always be there, it is up to you to try to remember it in positive light.

Believe me, I know it can be hard, but it is better for you to let it go so as not to allow a bad memory to have power over your mind.

2

Not an easy process, I can tell you
It is one of the most difficult 5hojgs I've had to do
But when I weighed the options of always being miserable, grumpy and all day long negative, bring positive wins every time

2

When we next talk, you will understand why I respond the way I do

1

Absolutely

I most certainly can't disagree with you here Maria...

Forgiving and forgetting may well be intertwined but.... they are hugely different in my opinion...

Whilst one may be able to forgive an action that was done against us, in all honesty, we will never be able to forget it...

It will always linger at the back of our minds at least...

As for forgetting, those closest to me have said I have a mind like an elephant and never forget!

Not always true, but I do remember most things be them positive or negative ...

You've got me thinking now my friend...

Appreciate the share as always and enjoy the rest of your day!

Cheers!

πŸ‘πŸ»πŸ₯‚

4

I have to echo Jessie here, Maria.

JD

3

I think I might be coming apathetic to any old wrongs done to me. If they used to generate thoughts of vengeance say, I know that is wrong, so I shut it down and at least try not to think bad about the person that wronged me.

This is where I am at.

JD

2

Thanks JD!!

1

Never just lip service Maria...

I have truly forgiven others for various wrongs my friend, I wish I could forget about them completely, but unfortunately my brain just doesn't seem to work that way!!

Cheers!

πŸ‘πŸ₯‚

2

:) Right now all of those people and feelings are far away. So I am just trying to live day by day. :)

Thanks, Maria.

JD

1

I remember being like that. But there is no reason to get worked up over old hurts. If the people that did the hurting are no longer around or affecting you or yours, then let it go, or shelve it.

I have more important things and better people to worry about and be with. You are one of them, Maria.

πŸ’–

1

Absolutely the same as me dear friend!

Bury things as deep as possible, but unfortunately never forgotten!!

Cheers again!!

(I may get slightly tipsy today at this rate)!!

πŸ‘πŸ€£πŸ»πŸ₯‚

2

πŸ€—

2

πŸ‘πŸ₯‚πŸ»πŸΎ

2

I never touch the stuff my friend...

It's a bit too strong for me!!

🀣🀣🀣🍻🍻

3

Nooooo Maria!!

I would prefer something a little weaker....

Perhaps a glass of grape juice or a large G&T!!!

🀣🍷🍸🍹🍾

2

I can live with green tea, with a touch of honey and fresh mint my friend!!!

But some red grape juice always goes down better this time of the night!!

πŸ·πŸ‘πŸ€£

2

πŸ€£πŸ‘πŸ€£πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ·

1

Very well said! You’re so right about those differences, Maria. To forgive is also to mend the heart whereas to forget is not always the goal. Enjoy the rest of your day.

Susan 🌹☘️

2

What I meant was forgiveness gives us the peace to move forward in the end and it’s a good goal to work toward. But some pain cannot be forgotten, nor does it need to. It’s about reframing. Just my two cents, Have a great day! 🌹

2

See more comments

Join FREE & Launch Your Business!

Exclusive Bonus - Offer Ends at Midnight Today

00

Hours

:

00

Minutes

:

00

Seconds

2,000 AI Credits Worth $10 USD

Build a Logo + Website That Attracts Customers

400 Credits

Discover Hot Niches with AI Market Research

100 Credits

Create SEO Content That Ranks & Converts

800 Credits

Find Affiliate Offers Up to $500/Sale

10 Credits

Access a Community of 2.9M+ Members

By continuing, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
No credit card required

2.9M+

Members

190+

Countries Served

20+

Years Online

50K+

Success Stories

The world's most successful affiliate marketing training platform. Join 2.9M+ entrepreneurs building their online business with expert training, tools, and support.

Β© 2005-2025 Wealthy Affiliate
All rights reserved worldwide.

πŸ”’ Trusted by Millions Worldwide

Since 2005, Wealthy Affiliate has been the go-to platform for entrepreneurs looking to build successful online businesses. With industry-leading security, 99.9% uptime, and a proven track record of success, you're in safe hands.