Lewis B. Smedes Quotes

Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself.

When you make a decision to forgive it's a decision that you have to make intellectually.

Life is too short for resentments, and I always forgive.

Forgiveness isn't just the absence of anger. I think it's also the presence of self-love, when you actually begin to value yourself.

It's not an easy journey, to get to a place where you forgive people. But it is such a powerful place, because it frees you.

I've purged myself of bitterness and anger and remained open to love.

Forgiveness really is so misunderstood, as well as the power it can release in an individual.

Forgiveness means letting go of the past.

Forgiveness is the economy of the heart... forgiveness saves the expense of anger, the cost of hatred, the waste of spirits.

The most important thing that I learned in growing up is that forgiveness is something that, when you do it, you free yourself to move on.

Forgiveness is not always easy. At times, it feels more painful than the wound we suffered, to forgive the one that inflicted it. And yet, there is no peace without forgiveness.

Forgiveness in any aspect of something that is complex is the greatest tool.

Many people have trouble with forgiveness because they have been taught it is a singular act to be completed in one sitting. That is not so. Forgiveness has many layers, many seasons.

I think there are different levels of forgiveness.

For me, the healing process starts with graciousness and forgiveness.

I think one of the most important things in evolving is forgiveness.

There is freedom in forgiveness, and it's not that hard to do once you get into the habit.

I forgive everyone in my life.

I think that maybe forgiveness is like change - it comes in small steps. (256)

It's not easy to forgive. I definitely don't forget, but I do forgive and I think that you should.

There is power in forgiveness.

Bring into your mind anyone against whom you have a grievance and let it go. Send that person your forgiveness.

Understanding is often a prelude to forgiveness, but they are not the same, and we often forgive what we cannot understand (seeing nothing else to do) and understand what we cannot pardon.

if we cultivate compassion for those who have hurt us, we have the possibility of overcoming our anger,pain, and fear. compassion is a great medicine.

I can have peace of mind only when I forgive rather than judge.