For the one making the decision to forgive, an apology isn’t always necessary. It would be gratifying to receive an apology when due, but not having it isn’t an obstacle to another’s will to forgive.
It is different, however, for the person who needs to apologise, to admit fault, but whose attempt at reconciliation is rejected.
What do people do when the forgiveness they need following some offence is not given?
What people tend to do – as demonstrated by failed marriages and other broken relationships – is to eventually give up and move on to others who are more inclined to look beyond the fault to the capability to do better.
So accepting or rejecting another’s apology is no small thing, for it can carry with it huge consequences for all involved.
By Carole Norris Greene, CNS
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