Ten Principles of Forgiveness

Forgiveness begins when you...

Accept that life is not fair and that others may play by a different set of rules than you do.

Stop blaming others for your circumstances.

Understand that you cannot change the person who hurt you; you can change only yourself.

Acknowledge the anger and hurt some unpleasant event is causing you.

Reframe your story of hurt—your “grievance story”—by placing the hurtful events in perspective.

Recognize that only you can make the choice to forgive.

Shift your view of the offender through empathy and humility.

Intentionally move from discontent toward contentment.

Understand that forgiveness will take time and cannot be rushed.

Place yourself in charge of your life and future.

If you want to live, at some point you must choose to forgive.