Forgiveness is a tricky subject, especially if you are in the Christian space.
There are many ways to manipulate someone's intentions, pass judgement, and steer someone in a harmful direction fully thinking you are giving them sound advice about forgiveness. This is most true in the event that the person you are advising is a victim of trauma from toxic people.
Hey there, sweet sisters, Brandi Babin here, your trusted companion in the realm of self-discovery. Today, we're delving into a topic that carries weight, a subject that tugs at the strings of our emotions – forgiveness.
So, imagine you've got your favorite cup of comfort in hand, settling in for a real and raw conversation. On our recent podcast, "Shattered to Unbreakable," we tackled the labyrinth of forgiveness, navigating through the complexities with the ease of candid conversation.
You know, it's one thing to say we should forgive, especially in certain religious contexts. But what about the situations where forgiveness isn't just a one-time deal, where it's a recurring narrative of pain and hurt? That's the territory we treaded.
From a Christian standpoint, forgiveness often means extending that second chance, but here's where the waters get murky. It's all well and good when someone genuinely owns up to their mistakes, says, "I messed up, I'm sorry, can I have another chance?" But what about those who continuously hurt without remorse? Those who blame you for their actions and yet demand your forgiveness?
As someone who's been through the wringer of abusive relationships, I get it. The Bible is chock-full of verses about forgiveness, like the infamous "77 times" bit. But, and it's a big but, there are also passages that hint at forgiveness upon repentance. And that's where the plot thickens.
My therapist once cautioned me about the dangers of blindly offering forgiveness in the midst of abuse. It's not a blanket solution; it's not a magic fix. And here's the kicker – forgiveness in narcissistic abuse recovery isn't necessarily about forgiving them; it's about forgiving yourself.
I know, it sounds like a whirlwind, doesn't it? Picture praying for your abuser, trying to be the bigger person, only to realize you're playing into their hands. It's a delicate dance, and sometimes, forgiveness becomes a twisted weapon in the wrong hands.
So as you ponder these words, let me ask you this: What does forgiveness look like in different scenarios? Is it a personal journey or a universal mandate? And should we be pushing victims to forgive repeat offenders?
This isn't your run-of-the-mill self-help spiel. It's a conversation, a contemplation, and I want to hear your thoughts. Drop your musings in the comments below, share your experiences, or shoot me some questions.
And guess what? This conversation doesn't stop here. If you want to unravel more layers, hear more stories, and perhaps even find a sprinkle of wisdom, head over to The Shattered to Unbreakable Podcast. It's not just a show; it's a sanctuary for those navigating the rocky terrains of self-discovery.
Your journey doesn't end with this blog post; it's a continuum. So, as you sip your beverage and let these words settle, remember, there's more waiting for you in the world of podcasts and our brand new resource called Reclaim U with free downloads and courses just for you and your healing! Until next time, stay sparkly, sweet sisters!