Forgiveness: Tough Choice Great Benefits

By Colleen Thompson

" Forgiveness: Tough Choice Great Benefits" represents a realistic view of dealing with the difficult topic of Forgiveness. The author paints a picture of her personal challenges as she grapples with this Divine virtue and suggests ways in which you too with the help of the Immortal can embrace and practise Forgiveness.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Colleen Thompson
• Release date: Nov 17, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310180996

Colleen Thompson

Colleen Thompson is a daughter of the Caribbean; a Jamaican by birth. She is trained in Early Childhood Education and a graduate of the University of the West Indies, Mona. Colleen loves nature and enjoys using words to paint pictures.

Book preview

If you have experienced intense hurt, been a victim of hate or abuse, lost loved ones to crime and violence or you have been treated unjustly, chances are, you have entertained unforgiveness.

Examine this scenario: Family members kidnapped, many chased from their homes, house and belongings destroyed, your life is threatened and more than half a million of your Tutsi Tribe members killed. How does one come to terms with this degree of pain? Can you imagine witnessing such atrocities carried out by mighty forces? How do you even begin to deal with this state of horror?

As might be expected, after two decades healing has not taken place for many as outlined in, "Healing in and through Rwanda" from

Caribbean Bible Lessons Adults Learner Guide, September -December 2014. As Rwanda observes the 20th anniversary of the genocide this year one can only imagine how the survivors are feeling.

They were not in a position to confront those mighty forces but if they so desire, it is not too late for them seek help from the Almighty in coping with their loss. He will show them how to deal with this complex matter and receive healing. You too can receive healing if you are struggling.

It is a tough choice, yet as difficult as it is The Almighty in His divine wisdom has called upon His children to find it in their hearts to forgive. Did he say, forgive? Yes, you heard right. He also promised to walk you through it. Our finite minds cannot wrap itself around this concept but because man is more than physical we are more than conquers.

Why should I forgive you may ask. I would suggest that you consider this: forgiveness brings healing while unforgiveness causes more pain.

I am not saying that it is easy but at some point you need to decide whether to continue to imprison yourself or to enjoy freedom.

As you turn the pages of this edition - ‘Forgiveness: Tough Choice, Great Benefits’ if you have been hurt or you may have caused someone pain, I would like you to know that forgiveness is available to give and to receive. Examine the pages of this manual, reflect on its various aspects and if you are experiencing regret, hostility or unkind feelings towards someone, be reminded that forgiveness is your therapy.

TO FORGIVE OR NOT TO FORGIVE

Spend some time on this exercise before reading this book and note your response.

What would be your first reaction? Give frank responses.

The scenarios are for you to examine your feelings towards them, reflect and honestly determine how you would react if you were caught in any of these circumstances.

You may want to write your answers. Your headings could read:

Response before reading book & Response after reading book

Take this challenge again after reading this manuscript and compare your answers.

Hopefully, you would have looked at some things differently after taking this journey.

This exercise may be done during private reflection or in small groups (retreats, devotions, etc)

The Challenge

1) You told your best friend a secret and she/he promised to keep it to herself/himself. Within a few days someone came to console you on the matter. What’s your response?

2) You have been unfaithful to your partner and he/she finds out. Should he/she forgive you? Why?

3) You find out that someone you know has been making unkind remarks about you. What would you do?

4) You showed kindness to X many times and rescued him when his family threw him out of the house. He lied about you? Should he be forgiven? Why?

5) Would you rescue him again? Why?

6) You said something unkind about your boss to a co-worker. You found out that she told the boss. What’s your response?

7) A friend of the family sexually molests your daughter /son, how would you resolve this matter?

8) You recommend someone for a job and he/she steals money from the factory owner, how would you treat this?

9) You are accused of stealing an item which you did not take, what’s your response?

10) You paid tuition for your fiancé’s university degree and after four years he/she said, it’s over, what would you do?

11) Can you think of a case that is so awful that you could not forgive?

12) It is said that forgiveness is for cowards. What’s your view?

13) Do you think that someone who commits murder should be forgiven? Why?

14) What if the person/persons who cause the hurt refuse to apologize would you still forgive? Why?

15) Do you think it could be justified if you refuse to forgive someone who hurt you? Explain your