Have you ever felt betrayed by someone important to you? Where does that situation stand today? Have you grown from it, shown grace and moved on? Or are you still holding on to the anger, hurt and unforgiveness?

Forgiveness can mean something different to each one of us, but at its core, it is a decision each of us makes to let go of the resentment of being wronged. Whatever happened that originally hurt or offended you may stay around forever, but working on the process of forgiveness can lessen that incident's hold over you.

Why is it important to learn to forgive? Because when you hold onto to negativity and pain it can cause you more problems. It can interfere with your capacity to lead a happy, full life, to be open to new things and new people. It means you are taking the high road for your own well being. It's like taking medicine for your soul. You have no control over how the person who hurt you behaves, but you can relieve your pain from it through the power of grace.

It's important to clarify that forgiveness is not the same thing as reconciliation. You can forgive something for your own well-being, but not return to a relationship that continues to harm you.

Nothing about this is easy. Forgiveness is a challenging process that takes time, patience and endurance. You need to foster a space of gentleness as you allow yourself time to heal.

Along the way you have to forgive yourself, to recognize that you are imperfect. Move from self-loathing to self-compassion. And at some point ponder on whether any compassion can be developed toward the offender. Have they offered a sincere apology or had extenuating circumstances in their life that clouded the behavior? Or was there a pure malicious intent and no remorse shown for the offense?

Try to find some meaning in the midst of the pain. As you are able to release harmful emotions, reflect on whether anything positive came from the experience. Do some deep work within yourself to find your inner strength and bravery to overcome your circumstances. Is there something you've discovered that can help others in a similar situation? That pain can become a hard won battle scar that makes you more resilient and able to do good in the world, to become even more loving and compassionate toward others through the act of forgiveness itself.

God found a way to forgive us for all of mankind's sin through the generations. How can we not forgive one another? Forgive as the Lord forgave you.