What is forgiveness? How is it different from reconciliation?

Ciccarelli: Psychology_5 (5th Edition)
5th Edition
ISBN:9780134477961
Author:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White
Publisher:Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White
Chapter1: The Science Of Psychology
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1TY
icon
Related questions
Question

1. What is forgiveness? How is it different from reconciliation?

Reconciliation
Imagine a river dividing into two powerful
streams of water that flow away from one
another. Now picture those same two
streams turning and heading back toward
each other. When they come into contact, the
result will be dangerous, destructive turbu-
lence. Neither stream will be able to continue
smoothly on its course. We can use this
image to describe our lives when something
happens to put us in conflict with another
person. Our anger, frustration and hatred
cause destructive currents in our lives and
relationships. We need reconciliation.
The word reconciliation comes from words
meaning "flow together again."When peo-
ple are reconciled with one another, they
are able to live in harmony. Their lives are
no longer pushing in opposite directions
and creating dangerous turbulence. This
type of reconciliation can happen only if
two elements are present: conversion and
forgiveness.
Conversion is a change of heart and a
reorientation of one's life. It is the responsi-
bility of every person who has done some-
thing wrong. Forgiveness is a willingness to
let go of the desire for revenge and instead
seek what is truly best for the person being
forgiven. It is the responsibility of everyone
who has been hurt. Äll of us are called by
God to do all we can to build healthy and
loving relationships with those around us.
This applies to new relationships, to ongo-
ing relationships and to relationships that
need to be repaired.
Broken relationships, sin, conversion, for-
giveness and forgiving can all change a per-
son. If the break in a relationship was seri-
ous and the people involved have changed
in a major way, reconciliation cannot make
the relationship what it was before. It can
only make a new phase of the relationship
possible.
Transcribed Image Text:Reconciliation Imagine a river dividing into two powerful streams of water that flow away from one another. Now picture those same two streams turning and heading back toward each other. When they come into contact, the result will be dangerous, destructive turbu- lence. Neither stream will be able to continue smoothly on its course. We can use this image to describe our lives when something happens to put us in conflict with another person. Our anger, frustration and hatred cause destructive currents in our lives and relationships. We need reconciliation. The word reconciliation comes from words meaning "flow together again."When peo- ple are reconciled with one another, they are able to live in harmony. Their lives are no longer pushing in opposite directions and creating dangerous turbulence. This type of reconciliation can happen only if two elements are present: conversion and forgiveness. Conversion is a change of heart and a reorientation of one's life. It is the responsi- bility of every person who has done some- thing wrong. Forgiveness is a willingness to let go of the desire for revenge and instead seek what is truly best for the person being forgiven. It is the responsibility of everyone who has been hurt. Äll of us are called by God to do all we can to build healthy and loving relationships with those around us. This applies to new relationships, to ongo- ing relationships and to relationships that need to be repaired. Broken relationships, sin, conversion, for- giveness and forgiving can all change a per- son. If the break in a relationship was seri- ous and the people involved have changed in a major way, reconciliation cannot make the relationship what it was before. It can only make a new phase of the relationship possible.
Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Recommended textbooks for you
Ciccarelli: Psychology_5 (5th Edition)
Ciccarelli: Psychology_5 (5th Edition)
Psychology
ISBN:
9780134477961
Author:
Saundra K. Ciccarelli, J. Noland White
Publisher:
PEARSON
Cognitive Psychology
Cognitive Psychology
Psychology
ISBN:
9781337408271
Author:
Goldstein, E. Bruce.
Publisher:
Cengage Learning,
Introduction to Psychology: Gateways to Mind and …
Introduction to Psychology: Gateways to Mind and …
Psychology
ISBN:
9781337565691
Author:
Dennis Coon, John O. Mitterer, Tanya S. Martini
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Psychology in Your Life (Second Edition)
Psychology in Your Life (Second Edition)
Psychology
ISBN:
9780393265156
Author:
Sarah Grison, Michael Gazzaniga
Publisher:
W. W. Norton & Company
Cognitive Psychology: Connecting Mind, Research a…
Cognitive Psychology: Connecting Mind, Research a…
Psychology
ISBN:
9781285763880
Author:
E. Bruce Goldstein
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Theories of Personality (MindTap Course List)
Theories of Personality (MindTap Course List)
Psychology
ISBN:
9781305652958
Author:
Duane P. Schultz, Sydney Ellen Schultz
Publisher:
Cengage Learning