WHOM
WE FORGIVE

Topics: Anger; Forgiveness; Mistakes; Relationships; Stress

References: Psalm 25:11; 32:1–2; Matthew 6:12–15; 18:21–35; Mark 11:25; Luke 6:37; Acts 2:38–39; Colossians 3:13

According to a 2001 study of 1,423 adults by the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research:

•     52 percent of those surveyed have forgiven others for past transgressions

•     75 percent believe they have been forgiven by God for their mistakes

•     43 percent have asked others to forgive them of past offenses

•     63 percent have let themselves off the hook

•     women are more forgiving than men

•     middle-agers and older adults are more likely to forgive others than younger adults are

•     forgiveness may be an antidote to anger, but asking for forgiveness can raise stress levels

—Van Morris, “Research about Forgiveness,” PreachingToday.com