Balancing Forgiveness and Trust in Recovery
Episode Overview
Forgiving someone doesn't mean you have to trust them again. Acknowledging hurt is the first step towards true forgiveness. Forgiveness and consequences are separate but connected. Setting boundaries is crucial to avoid being a doormat. Self-forgiveness is essential for forgiving others.
Forgiveness is costly, but it doesn't mean there aren't consequences.
Forgiveness and trust – two pillars of any relationship, but how do you balance them when someone has wronged you? In this episode of Relational Recovery, hosts Wes Thompson and Austin Hill dive into the intricate dance of forgiving others while not necessarily trusting them again. Through personal stories and reflections, they explore how these concepts shape our relationships and recovery journeys.
Wes opens up about how his youthful naivety gave way to a more cautious approach to trust as he aged, revealing the complexities that come with life experiences. Austin shares his past struggles with forgiveness, admitting he often skipped the 'forgive' part and just forgot, leading to shallow relationships where he felt like a doormat. They both agree that true forgiveness starts with acknowledging the hurt and respecting oneself enough to process it.
The conversation also touches on the difference between forgiveness and consequences, highlighting that forgiving someone doesn't mean there won't be repercussions for their actions. They stress the importance of setting boundaries and not being a doormat while still offering grace. The episode ends with a powerful call to cultivate self-forgiveness, suggesting that if you can't forgive yourself, forgiving others will be an uphill battle.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone grappling with the challenges of forgiveness and trust in their recovery journey.