Virtue of the Week – Forgiveness
Virtue of the Week focuses on building peaceful and caring communities through understanding and fostering the practice of virtues. The Source supports the Virtues Project and will publish one virtue developed by the project each week.
Forgiveness
Forgiveness is accepting mistakes and letting go of resentments. It frees us from un-resourceful emotions associated with guilt. It doesn’t make a wrong choice right, it gives us the courage to detach from things gone by. Forgiveness can heal the most grievous offense. It brings an opportunity to start afresh. Self-forgiveness moves us forward, ready to do thing differently, with compassion for ourselves and a belief that we can change. Forgiveness opens the door of hope.
Quote: “Forgiveness says you are given another chance to make a new beginning.” -Desmond Tutu
The Practice of Forgiveness
I free myself from pain and resentment.
I am willing to heal the past.
I find it in my heart to give others another chance.
I understand that mistakes are a necessary part of growth.
I have the power to change for the better.
I understand my reactions are my choice.
Questions for Discussion
- Is there any forgiveness that is being withheld in our community?
- In terms of our social justice work, what does forgiveness look like? What form should/could it take?
- Is there any resentments being held that would impede our social justice work? What do we need to release them?
- Is there anything we need to forgive ourselves for? What would it look like to practice self-forgiveness?
Sign up to receive the Virtue of the Week by email!
Visit https://cfvi.net/Virtues-Project and scroll to the end of the page to fill out the form.
Virtue of the Week is provided by the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands (CFVI) in partnership with the VI Source and Virtues Matter.
Since 1990, CFVI has been a catalyst for positive change in the territory through initiatives committed to youth, learning, family support and the environment. With a professional staff and a volunteer Board of Directors composed of community leaders, CFVI is a trusted advocate and supporter of programs that ensure opportunity and sustainability for current and future generations. CFVI is a registered non-profit organization entirely supported by individual donors, grants, trusts, corporate donations and estate planning. For more information, visit cfvi.net.
About Virtues Matter Virtues Matter was started by a passionate wife-husband team of social entrepreneurs seeking to positively uplift as many lives as possible. We aim to inspire and empower, to build capacity, strengthen relationships, and help everyone lead lives of passion and purpose.
Virtues Matter believes in a world where people are committed to kindness and respect, strive to be their best, and live with hope, courage and in unity. We built the Virtues Cards mobile app, an interactive personal and team development tool, to help people identify and develop key virtue skills. We also offer dynamic workshops, online training, and customized programs to help people cultivate these positive qualities of character. To learn more, visit virtuesmatter.com.
To learn more about the Virtues Project, visit www.virtuesproject.com.
