Turning Forgiveness Into Your Tradition (part 3)

This lesson continues the examination of strategies for establishing the “tradition of forgiveness.

The three strategies discussed include: 1) Restructuring the Relationship by addressing the attitudes that have crippled emotional freedom. This step is where one figures out how they will live with the offender in the here and now. Boundaries and guidelines must be established so that one can move from bitterness to better-ness.

2) Reopening the Future is when one becomes open to the possibilities of something new existing.  This is the first step which actually includes an element of healing.  This new hope is not built upon any particular activity from the offender.  It is a self-produced vision of hope. 

3) Reaffirmation and Restoration is the grand finale in the forgiveness journey.  Obviously there are a multitude of circumstances which factor into the how and when of this step.  It is also at this point that both parties must share an equal desire for community, communication and connection.