8 Essential Survival Tips For Divorced Catholics

7.     Forgiveness

I forgive you. Those three words are often very difficult to say out loud because when you do, you run the risk of feeling cheated. Where is the justice for the crime committed against you? I have heard many people who have been divorced adamantly state they will never forgive their ex-spouses, that it is impossible for them. But, if there’s one hard lesson I’ve learned in the years I worked to heal from my very unwanted divorce, it is there is no healing without forgiveness.

Forgiveness is definitely possible with God’s grace. When you are able to say those words you will find healing and be able to move forward. Regardless of what someone deserves, being merciful is a healing experience for both people and brings with it a little glimpse into how much the Father loves us; how monumental Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross really was.

Learning to forgive, even when it seems impossible, is an essential part of the healing process.

Our friends, then, are all those who unjustly afflict us with trials and ordeals, shame and injustice, sorrows and torment, martyrdom and death; we must love them greatly for we all possess eternal life because of them. – St. Francis of Assisi