Five Stages of Forgiveness

forgive-small Dennis Linn's book, Don't Forgive Too Soon, has a new approach to forgiveness that is categorized into five stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. The act of forgiveness can be, in itself, an art form. Often it is harder to forgive someone than to ask for forgiveness for oneself. For many folks, forgiveness is a simple act that is required by their faith -and many believe that they must forgive immediately or as soon as possible, even if they are not ready to forgive.

Linn's approach allows readers to learn how the five stages of forgiveness can work together along with our natural responses as human beings in order to find true forgiveness.

Five Stages of Forgiveness: Denial

In the Denial stage, although you are hurt, you do not want to admit it. This allows you space to be loved until you are ready to face the hurt in a better way, or in a more constructive way.

Five Stages of Forgiveness: Anger

In the Anger stage, you are ready to admit that you were hurt and cast blame - "You hurt me, it is your fault". You openly declare your anger.

Five Stages of Forgiveness: Bargaining

In the Bargaining stage, you either subconsciously or consciously begin to set up the conditions that must be fulfilled before you are ready to forgive.

Five Stages of Forgiveness: Depression

In the Depression stage, you may think that the wrong or hurt that was done to you is your own fault. Over time, the healing of shame and guilt will take place and you'll no longer view yourself as the helpless victim, or claim fault that is not your own.

Five Stages of Forgiveness: Acceptance

In the Acceptance stage, you begin to look forward to growth from the hurt that you have experienced.

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