If we studied the issue of forgiveness with a wider perspective, we are bound to opt for it after all.

You are the custodian of your own happiness. What other people say, do or think does not create a basis for your happiness. It is you who decides your own happiness, just like forgiveness.

The heart is where the journey of forgiveness begins.

The truth is, forgiving is a rather simple concept to grasp. It is often imagined that when you forgive, you have to reconcile with someone and yet this is a larger team in which forgiveness is just a player.

When you forgive, it does not mean that you have submitted, it simply means that you have made a choice to stop bearing any grudge.

Offer yourself forgiveness as a gift. The word —give' is the basic keyword in the word forgiveness, therefore it relays a meaning therein.

The most basic method one can use to let go of the past is by looking at it as a learning experience.

Remember, forgiveness is not a millstone but a milestone!

Do not be deceived that you are weak because you have forgiven; instead be rest assured that you are now showing great strength - after all, forgiving is one of the most difficult things to do.

Forgiveness does carry with it numerous obstacles and one may well be surprised why many people find it a very difficult hurdle to jump over.

Before making a snap judgment, ask yourself if it really is something that has hurt you or simply just made you angry at yourself for allowing it to happen. It's amazing what —sleeping on it' can do. A new day sees a new beginning.

This pain you are avoiding is a very necessary pain that will make you strong again.

Locking ourselves in the situation where we wish for sympathy and want to be looked at as the aggrieved party normally makes us powerless.

Overly playing the role of the victim can debar you from accepting responsibility for your actions and emotions.

Just because someone wakes up one morning and says, "Today I am going to be rich," does not automatically make them rich. So the same is true with forgiveness, it has to come from the heart with meaning, that is when it works best.

When you make up your mind to forgive, your happiness will almost automatically follow.

When you initially forgive, it is like letting go of a hot iron. There is initial pain and the scars will show, but you can start living again.

The world is full of victims; don't add to the growing culture of —I've a story to tell", well not unless it's a story to help others overcome situations or as a warning.

By understanding the basic impediments to forgiveness, the repercussions of failing to forgive and the fruits of forgiveness, this will lead you gently to the shoreline of a distinct new and more powerful YOU.

I have saved by grace. My sins are forgiven. This is my greatest gratitude.