Theosis 06 June Issue 2019

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Deconstructing and
Defining Forgiveness
When you hear the word “forgiveness,” or the verb “to forgive,”
what comes to your mind? In the article, Forgive Me, Forgive Me
Not. 8 Things that Forgiveness is and 8 Things it is not, Neil Faber,
adjunct Professor of Psychology at Arizona State University, outlines the
essential features of forgiveness and dismantles some prejudices that shape
the “how” we understand and live forgiveness. Indeed, depending on our
perspective on forgiveness, there will be a big difference in the way we offer,
receive, and perceive forgiveness. Finally, the author also presents some of
the benefits (spiritual, psychological, and physical) flowing from forgiveness.
Before moving forward, consider the following points and ponder
whether you can recognize yourself in one, some, or all of them.
If he/she asks for forgiveness, I think I could forgive him/her.
Forget about forgiveness: I do not want to be weak!
I don’t know why I should forgive him/her. In fact, I didn’t do anything wrong.
I do not want to forgive: he/she does not deserve my forgiveness.
Well, I guess I should forgive, because, after all, the offense and the pain caused
by it are not so big.
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Theosis - Transformation - Issue n o 1 | June 2019