Summertime Stories | Week 5 | Chris Emmitt

There is a significant difference between forgiveness and reconciliation. We often think that just because we forgive a person, we must also reconcile with them. While living reconciled in all our relationships would be ideal, it is not always wise or prudent. Forgiveness is about letting go or releasing someone from the hurt they have caused you. When we don't forgive, it is too easy for bitterness to take root, for us to hold on to anger, or to believe we can extract something from the offending party by not forgiving. Ultimately, by not forgiving, we give power to the person who has wronged us.