How does one know if forgiveness has occurred? What behaviors (verbal and nonverbal) might occur?
Forgiveness can be subjective and difficult to measure, but some signs that forgiveness has occurred include:
- The person no longer harbors negative feelings or resentment towards the person who wronged them
- They are able to speak about the situation without anger or bitterness
- They are able to interact with the person who wronged them without discomfort or avoidance
- They may express compassion, empathy, or understanding towards the person who wronged them.
- They may take steps to restore or rebuild the relationship
Nonverbal signs of forgiveness may include relaxed body language, smiling, and open posture when interacting with the person who wronged them.
MODULE 8
DQ1
Why is it important to study forgiveness and reconciliation as a part of interpersonal relationships? How do these concepts influence conflict and negotiation?
Studying forgiveness and reconciliation is important because they significantly shape interpersonal relationships and resolve conflicts. Some key benefits and ways that forgiveness and reconciliation can influence conflict and negotiation include:
- Improved well-being: Forgiveness has been linked to improved psychological well-being, reduced stress, and improved physical health.
- Reduced conflict: When individuals forgive and reconcile, it can help to resolve conflicts and restore relationships. This can improve overall communication and reduce the likelihood of future conflicts.
- Increased trust: When individuals forgive and reconcile, it can help to rebuild trust in a relationship, which is critical for maintaining healthy and positive relationships.
- Better negotiation outcomes: Forgiveness and reconciliation can improve cooperation, leading to better outcomes during negotiations. When individuals can move beyond past conflicts and focus on the present and future, it can lead to more productive and mutually beneficial negotiations.
- Improved group dynamics: Forgiveness and reconciliation can also positively impact group dynamics, as they can help reduce tensions and improve overall morale and cohesion.
Overall, forgiveness and reconciliation are important concepts to study and understand in interpersonal relationships as they play a critical role in resolving conflicts, improving relationships, and promoting well-being.
DQ2
How does one know if forgiveness has occurred? What behaviours (verbal and nonverbal) might occur?
Forgiveness can be subjective and difficult to measure, but some signs that forgiveness has occurred include:
- The person no longer harbours negative feelings or resentment towards the person who wronged them
- They are able to speak about the situation without anger or bitterness
- They are able to interact with the person who wronged them without discomfort or avoidance
- They may express compassion, empathy, or understanding towards the person who wronged them.
- They may take steps to restore or rebuild the relationship
Nonverbal signs of forgiveness may include relaxed body language, smiling, and open posture when interacting with the person who wronged them.
STUDY MATERIALS
Review Chapter 10 of the Book Interpersonal Conflict.
Read “Inter-Parental Conflict, Parent-Child Relationship Quality, and Adjustment in Christian Adolescents: Forgiveness as a Mediating Variable,” by Toussaint and Jorgensen, from the Journal of Psychology & Christianity (2008).
Read “Predicting Forgiveness for an Interpersonal Offense Before and After Treatment: The Role of Religious Commitment, Religious Affiliation, and Trait Forgivingness,” by Wade, Meyer, Goldman, and Post, from the Journal of Psychology & Christianity (2008).
Read “Balancing out (W)Right: Jesus’ theology of individual and corporate repentance and forgiveness in the Gospel of Luke” by Chatraw in Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society (2012).
Read “Reflecting on Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness from a positive psychological perspective” by Scheffler in Hervormde Teologiese Studies (2015).
Read “Hope as grounds for forgiveness: A Christian argument for universal, unconditional forgiveness” by Giannini in Journal of Religious Ethics (2017).
How does one know if forgiveness has occurred? What behaviors (verbal and nonverbal) might occur?