When is reconciliation possible? When is it impossible?
Social Psychology (10th Edition)
10th Edition
ISBN:9780134641287
Author:Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert, Samuel R. Sommers
Publisher:Elliot Aronson, Timothy D. Wilson, Robin M. Akert, Samuel R. Sommers
Chapter1: Introducing Social Psychology
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ1
Related questions
Question
1. When is reconciliation possible? When is it impossible?

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.
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