Is it possible to truly forgive?

Forgiveness is often described as letting go of resentment or anger towards someone who has wronged you. But there are different interpretations of what it truly means to forgive, especially when used in different context.

Emotional forgiveness- Letting go of negative feelings like anger. It can happen with your own mind, where you choose to no longer hold the emotional burden of the offense.

The Process- Some people view forgiveness as a multi-step process where you move through stages of hurt, understanding, and eventually releasing the pain.

Behavioral Forgiveness- This involves showing forgiveness through actions. Like not holding someone’s wrongdoing against them or continuing the relationship in a healthy way, even after a breach of trust.

There are many reasons a person may stop forgiving like ego or pride, or fear of vulnerability. The question of whether it’s truly possible is both profound and personal. The short answer is: Yes, it is possible. But it doesn’t mean the pain will disappear instantly. True forgiveness, in the emotional sense, is about choosing to release the grip of resentment. It can be a process that unfolds over time. Some may never forget, but they can choose to forgive. Forgiveness doesn’t have to mean letting someone who has wronged you back into your life. Sometimes it’s about peace and healing for yourself, even if the other person doesn’t change. In some cases, it may even be a decision to distance yourself from someone, but still release that anger or frustration the person caused you. Ultimately, forgiveness is an individual journey. It’s deeply personal and “true” forgiveness might look different for different people.