What Gives with Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a dilemma - Offering goodness freely where none was given, can suppress rightful anger, grief, accountability, cause and guilt. There are two sides to the rub for getting mutual relief, and getting over the hurt caused. It relievers the burden of resentment. It regains the sense of control, with peace after turmoil. It repairs trust and resets mutual understanding. But, what forgiveness gives, it can take away and be harmful as well. It can suppress rightful anger and grief, you may need to feel. It can be a form of denial, laughing it off, taking it on the chin. It can open you up to repeats with no consequences. Not forgiving, not forgetting, can be a grim form of protection and learning, building resilience, making you stronger in the face of adversity. Some wounds need justice, not silence and acceptance disguised as graceful forgiveness. What gives with forgiveness is what it gives to the giver, first and foremost, in the dilemma flip.