The power of a forgiving heart

Photo: stocksnap for pixabay

People often share their pain and anguish with chaplains. Perhaps one of the most difficult situations shared with us is the breakdown of a marriage.

No-one marries with the intention of getting divorced, yet this is frequently the outcome many experience as the result of a strained relationship. Added to the pain of separation there is often the tension that comes from the divorce settlement. This was just the situation that one member of rail staff shared with me, explaining that part of the settlement affected his pension. He animatedly told me how he hated his ex-wife and would never forgive her. I explained to him that both hatred and unforgiveness are like drinking poison yourself and expecting the other person to die. Recently he told me he was beginning a new relationship and asked for my advice. I suggested that hatred of his exwife was probably not a good foundation for another relationship. Over time he has come to understand this, and we have prayed together about his un-forgiveness and talked about moving forward in love. We know that forgiveness brings healing to relationships and has benefits for our mental and even physical health, so I was pleased to hear how letting go of his un-forgiveness has allowed him to forgive his exwife.

He has also begun to ask about Jesus, as he tries to understand more about the nature of forgiveness.