Forgiveness is a CHOICE, not a feeling.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: The quote "Forgiveness is a CHOICE, not a feeling" underscores the idea that forgiveness is not merely an emotional response but a deliberate decision. At its core, this perspective on forgiveness shifts the focus from the internal experience of emotions to the conscious act of making a decision.
When we think of forgiveness as a feeling, we might believe that we can only forgive someone when we feel a certain way—perhaps when the anger or hurt has faded, or when we’ve reached a state of emotional calm. This approach can lead to a paradox: we might wait for the "right" emotional state to forgive, which may never come, or we might never feel ready to let go of our grievances. Emotions, by their nature, can be unpredictable and transient. If forgiveness depended solely on feeling, it could become an elusive goal, subject to the whims of our emotional landscape.
On the other hand, viewing forgiveness as a choice emphasizes agency and intentionality. This means that irrespective of our emotional state, we can decide to forgive. It is a conscious act of will where we choose to let go of resentment and move forward. This choice doesn’t necessarily mean that we instantly forget or that the pain is erased; rather, it means that we consciously decide to release the hold that anger or hurt has over us.
Choosing to forgive can be empowering because it places control in our hands rather than leaving it to the unpredictable nature of our emotions. For instance, imagine a scenario where someone has wronged us deeply. We might initially feel intense anger or betrayal. By choosing to forgive, we are not ignoring these feelings but deciding that our response to the wrongdoer will be different from merely harboring negative emotions. This choice allows us to reclaim our peace and focus on our own well-being rather than being tethered to the actions of others.
In essence, forgiveness as a choice suggests that we have the power to shape our responses and actions regardless of how we feel at any given moment. It highlights the importance of deliberate action over passive emotional reactions, offering a path to personal healing and growth even when our feelings might resist it.
Who said the quote?
The quote "Forgiveness is a CHOICE, not a feeling." is often attributed to Joyce Meyer (Quotes). Joyce Meyer is a popular Christian author and speaker, known for her motivational and inspirational messages.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
