When someone hurts us, we often hear the phrase, "forgive and forget." But true healing doesn't come from forgetting. It comes from forgiving.

What is forgiveness?

Forgiveness is the intentional act of letting go of resentment, anger, and hostility toward someone who mistreated you, even though your feelings are valid. Forgiving is choosing peace over bitterness. Forgiveness is a mental shift or a change of heart that develops over time.

What is forgetting?

Forgetting, on the other hand, can mean suppressing or minimizing the hurt, which often leaves wounds unhealed underneath the surface. It can lead to unresolved emotions, mistrust, or even the repetition of harmful patterns in future relationships. Forgiving acknowledges the wrong but refuses to let it control your future. Forgetting tries to erase it, which can delay emotional processing and growth.

Why forgiving is better than forgetting.

Genuine forgiveness doesn't mean condoning the behavior or pretending it didn't matter. It means accepting that it happened and choosing to move forward with clarity and strength. In short, forgiveness frees you, whereas forgetting can keep you stuck. Healing begins when we face the pain, not when we erase it.

If you're ready to start your healing journey, please contact our team to schedule an appointment with one of our licensed counselors today.