Episode 29: Ending the Year with Forgiveness with Dr. Everett Worthington

This year has brought many unexpected turns, yet just around the corner is a new year… a fresh slate. Our approach to forgiveness affects our emotional, relational, and physical health. Harboring resentment, anger and unforgiveness creates roadblocks in our personal lives. Through the process of forgiveness, we are able to clear the road to fresh beginnings. 

In this episode, we speak with Dr. Everett Worthington who is an expert on the subject of forgiveness. Through his research on the process of forgiveness, Dr. Worthington sheds light on what true forgiveness is and the many misconceptions around this topic. He explains to us how this concept can then be applied to our relationships, community, and even ourselves. Let’s start the new year with the healing process of true forgiveness. 

Key Takeaways

A little about himself and the work he is doingHis definition of forgiveness: Decisional and EmotionalHow to replace the negative unforgiving emotions with positive other oriented emotions for himHis own experience with forgivenessMisconceptions of forgiveness (what we think vs. what it actually is) for him Some of the benefits of experiencing true forgiveness for him: Spiritual, Relational, Mental Health and Physical HealthAn example on attaining forgiveness in an affair in marriageHow to forgive without being asked for forgiveness for himHis insight on verbalizing forgiveness for true forgiveness to happenHis insight on forgiveness if hurts keep happening particularly in marriage affairsHow does self-forgiveness differ and how does it work for himThe importance of forgiveness in the community for him

Links

Dr. Everett L. Worthington - www.evworthington-forgiveness.comDo-it-Yourself (DIY) Workbooks - http://www.evworthington-forgiveness.com/diy-workbooks

 Dr. Everett L. Worthington Bio:

Everett L Worthington, Jr. is Commonwealth Professor Emeritus at Virginia Commonwealth University. He is a licensed clinical psychologist in Virginia, and he has published over 40 books and over 500 articles or chapters, most of which are on forgiveness and other virtues. His mission in life is to do all he can to promote forgiveness in every willing heart, home, and homeland.