Today I’m adding the fourth bulleted suggestion from pages 4-5 of When to Forgive. First, though, a reminder. This is not about a command to forgive. Telling someone to forgive is dangerous. It might result in a quick recitation of “I forgive” without the hard work behind it and accomplishment of the real and important gains of a good forgiveness decision. Shame might be added to the pain of suffering an offense if the victim believes in the “ought to forgive” and can’t. That’s the hazard of sermons — religious or otherwise — that tell the sufferer he or she must forgive. Realistically there may be actions the sufferer must take before genuine forgiveness. Or, it’s even possible that the sufferer might be better off choosing not to forgive. “When to Forgive” is about making and carrying out a decision after careful thought and work.
So, here goes, more on what you might do to help someone trying to deal with the pain of an offense as he or she considers the forgiveness option.
- Be a good listener. Telling his or her own story is absolutely crucial to a person’s recovery from the effects of an offense. Encourage giving details, but don’t press your own advice or suggestions. Ask questions that encourage going into depth, but be sensitive to the person’s own self-regulating system. Don’t push beyond what he or she is ready to report. There are situations of extreme trauma where the victim is better off not remembering what happened.”
- When your friend is asked to ‘probe the wound,’ ask for as much detail as possible. In fact, you may know the situation well enough that you can remember some things your friend has forgotten. But let your friend be in control of how much he or she can tolerate.
- You can discuss and help clarify, but don’t impose your own view. You can also help your companion fend off the efforts of others to dictate their beliefs.
- Your friend making the journey may want you to provide some feedback. Sometimes you may observe things that he or she doesn’t readily see. Often it’s the positives that people have difficulty identifying in themselves.
monagustafsonaffinito 
Hi,
I understand what you are saying, but in my opinion, forgiveness is a must do, if you want to get on with your own life. So many people are caught up in old hurts from people who are no longer living. If they want to live they must let go. It is in me as individual to move pass the hurt by making a wilful decision to forgive. Then I set myself free.
I enjoyed reading your article.
Ciao,
Patricia
Hi Pat,
I’m so happy you commented. The truth is I basically agree with you, especially as to the reasons why we forgive. But I believe it so strongly that my training demanded I must consider the opposite viewpoint. That’s why I have a chapter on “the Case Against Forgiveness.”in “When to Forgive” There is actually a case in there where someone chose not to forgive and the outcome was positive. The bottom line is that the decision whether to forgive is not easy — and very individual. Again, I want you to know you’ve made me very happy by reading and commenting.
Good morning Mona,
Thank you for the praise. I always read your blogs, but for lack of time, do not always write comments. I will try and leave a comment, if only a short one more often. Your blog is important to me.
Have a great day.
Ciao,
Patricia
i just want you to know how much I love reading your blogs. They not only teach, they open my eyes, or remind me to be grateful for what I have, or help me to calm down, or you are able to also inspire me. thank you Mona for being a wonderful friend
Terry, what a lovely way to start my morning. Your words here fill me with pleasure and appreciation. Thanks for your comment.
Pat, I share the same lack of time issue. Understanding that, your comments are all the more appreciated. Thanks. Now I know I’m talking to you when I blog, even though I am so bad at responding to folks. That’s a good feeling.