As we come to celebrate a new millennium and do so with a focus on forgiveness, it is important to review some of the multifaceted aspects of forgiving. The following is an excerpt from Martha Alken's book, The Healing Power of Forgiving, on the underlying principles of interpersonal forgiveness. First, there exists a relationship based on trust. In the beginning, God created the universe out of primordial chaos, and saw that it was good. Relationships begin in trust and address our human desire for the good.
Interpersonal forgiveness focuses on relationships that have been injured.
Trust is betrayed. Hearts are broken. What is good has been damaged. Second, the injury is named and acknowledged by the victim as serious. It is important for the victim to believe that he or she has been wounded.