Summary: What does it mean to forgive? Why do we talk of “finding” forgiveness? And who really gains from forgiveness?<br> <br> * What does forgiveness mean?<br> <br> * Dictionary<br> Merriam Webster has this simple definition of the word forgive: “to stop feeling anger toward (someone who has done something wrong) : to stop blaming (someone)”<br> And also this: “to give up resentment of”<br> * To me?<br> <br> <br> * How did I understand forgiveness before recovery?<br> <br> * Forgiving meant condoning the other person’s actions?<br> * If I forgave someone, I had to like them, be ok with their company?<br> * They had to apologize first?<br> * If I forgave, I had to “forget”?<br> <br> <br> * What new understandings of forgiveness did I discover?<br> * One of the “gifts of Al-Anon” in From Survival to Recovery is this: “As we gain the ability to forgive our families, the world, and ourselves our choices will expand.”<br> <br> * How do I understand this gift?<br> * How have I seen it happen in my life?<br> <br> <br> * How does forgiveness help me?<br> * What if someone did something truly unforgiveable?<br> <br> * How can I forgive them or their action?<br> * Why would I want to?<br> <br> <br> * What story or stories can I share about<br> <br> * Finding forgiveness<br> * Having difficulty finding forgiveness<br> * Forgiving without forgetting.<br> <br> <br> * What would I say to a newcomer about forgiveness “the Al-Anon way”?<br> <br> Join our conversation. Please call us at 734-707-8795 or email <a title="Send us mail" href="mailto:feedback@therecoveryshow.com">feedback@therecoveryshow.com</a> with your questions or experience, strength and hope. Or just leave a comment right here.<br> <br> Music from the show<br> Christina Aguilera: Hurt<br> <br> Matthew West: Forgiveness<br> <br> Parker Ainsworth: The Forgiver<br> <br> <br> <br>
