| Why Seek Forgiveness for Your Actions? (And How to Do It) |
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FULL ARTICLE Closure at the end of life means healing open wounds. Is there someone you have hurt in the past, someone that carries sorrow or pain for something that you have said or done? The time to put closure to these issues is now – help your dying loved one see that true care for someone often requires that we make ourselves vulnerable, that we open ourselves to hurt. But it is through this hurt, this pain, that we are able to get closure on old wounds, and make the end of life more meaningful for all. There are three words that do more than any other words, for putting closure in wounded relationships, and allow healing to take place. “I am sorry” can open up not only for healing, but for true growth in love. Show your loved one how to do this by your own actions. Apologize to your dying loved one for all the times you have failed in the past to act decently, for all the times you have been mean, rude, or downright abusive. It is our actions that people follow, not our words. Sometimes our actions speak so loudly others cannot hear what we are saying. That is a good thing, when our actions are good. By saying “I’m Sorry for…” we give our loved one a chance to forgive us, and also to look into their life, and see whom they need to seek forgiveness from as well. Anyone who has loved has hurt the one they love. It takes a moment to hurt, and sometimes a lifetime to heal. Help to bring that healing now with these three words. “Forgive us our trespasses” – Jesus taught in the bible we should ask for forgiveness. The key to this is doing it with a sincere heart. When you truly seek forgiveness for wrongs you have committed, you are making yourself vulnerable to them. While seemingly a contradiction, this actually will strengthen you and your loved one for the journey ahead. God rewards a humble heart, and a good step towards humility is to seek forgiveness. |