Forgiveness During Grief & Emotional Stress

During these times, it can be a mega challenge to forgive those who hurt us, our enemies, or ones who lack understanding of what we are going through or see as humans. But, living with grief only becomes a heavier weight in refusing to forgive others. It bogs you down and turns your sadness into a sour mood. We understand how challenging grief is and the uniqueness of every individual undergoing the grieving process. It isn’t something that just goes away. Luckily, forgiveness can set you free and help this journey become even slightly more bearable. Let’s dive into forgiveness during grief and emotional stress.

Forgiveness Frees Your Mind

“People often have misgivings about forgiveness because they think it isn’t attainable, puts them at risk for future hurts, or makes them weak – but none of this has to be true.”

– from what’s your grief

Have you ever felt that forgiving in your grief will weaken you or hold you back? What about believing that you are justified in your correctness? While it is okay to recognize your beliefs and things you trust about yourself and your confidence, holding resentment towards another will slowly eat away at you. It crosses your mind constantly and you enjoy things less in life. Being wronged by others and feeling anger towards a situation or person is understandably justifiable, but letting it consume you is where you must step back and take a breath. So, try to forgive! It is hard for all of us, but it is doable, even if one must forgive “as many as 77 times,” (Matthew 18:22).

Emotional Stress Challenges Forgiveness

In these current times, opinions can drive families against one another, friendships can be ruined, and neighbors grow to hate one another. Having values you deeply believe and resonate with might not fit with someone you know. This adds a layer of emotional stress. Other situations like job changes, moving, family issues, busy lifestyles, and a mid-life crisis contribute massively to your emotional stress. What also adds emotional stress is grief on top of that. Feeling angry at your loved one for a decision they made or at one who hurt them, resentment in your spiritual beliefs or God, and frustration with the unfairness of life can make forgiveness seem impossible. But, it is not. Even if we can only forgive a little at a time, it is better than nothing at all. If you need a Biblical reference to strengthen you during this time, reference Luke 1:37.

Bakken-Young Offers Grief Support

We are a funeral home that does more than honor your loved one in their death. Bakken-Young carries out wishes to every detail, accommodates your burial and funeral plans, and supports you before, during, and after your loss. We want to walk with you through this life challenge. You deserve support as you grieve, and that’s why we’re here. Please, contact us for further grief support. We have groups and events going on now as well as a webinar this October. We also have many other opportunities for support during this process. Contact us today.