CREATE POSITIVE FEELINGS

 When we forgive someone who hurt us deeply, we want to do more than simply decide not to talk about what happened. If the person who hurt us is also our Christian brother or sister, our goal is to make peace. (Matthew 5:23, 24) We choose to replace our anger with mercy and our resentment with forgiveness. (Read Romans 12:18-21; 1 Peter 3:9) What can help us to do that?

We should strive to see the person who offended us as Jehovah does. Jehovah chooses to look for the good in people. (2 Chronicles 16:9; Psalm 130:3) We will usually find what we are looking for in people-be it the good or the bad. When we look for the good in others, we will find it easier to forgive them. For example, a brother named Jarrod says: "I find it easier to forgive a brother when I compare his offense to the long list of things that I like about him."

Another important thing is to consider doing to tell the person that you have forgiven him or her. Why? Note what Naomi, quoted earlier says: "My husband asked me, 'have you forgiven me?' When I open my mouth to say, 'I forgive you,' I choked. I realized that I hadn't truly forgiven him in my heart. In time, I was able to express those three powerful words, 'I forgive you.' I couldn't believe the relief It brought to my teary-eyed husband and the closure that I felt. Since then, I have rebuilt my trust in him and we are best friends again." 

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