Remembering an event, a situation, or a person can evoke a shiver of excitement, the heat of anger, or the anguish of grief. Although emotion that is activated by a memory may not be felt as intensely as the actual experience, the recall can be enjoyable or painful nonetheless. Emotional memory adds credibility to the notion that thoughts can trigger emotion just as the activation of emotion can create cognitions’ .
(Lerner & Keltner, 2000; Lewis, 2008).
Forgiveness is a beautiful yet challenging command for all Christians. We bask in the forgiveness that Christ gave us; on the proviso that we forgive those who offend, sin and trespass against us.
While it is very easy to passively forgive an offender, with a simple ‘I forgive you’, the challenge comes when you are reminded of their offence every time you see them. Or when you find it hard to get rid of that negative memory. Sometimes these recurring memories and feelings make you question whether you have really forgiven them or not.
Thankfully, the command is to forgive and not necessarily to forget, because let’s face it — it is virtually impossible to forget certain experiences whether good or bad.
Yet, how gracious is Our Father God: “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” (Jeremiah 31:34 NIV).
Psalm 103:12 says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us”. God separates the offence from the offender. But on a human level this may seem impossible because we may remember what someone did to hurt us for as long as we live. Though, this is not always a sign of unforgiveness; it can simply be that the offence is the most salient memory you have with that individual.
Kanayo is a Multi-award winning, Author and Senior leader in education whose experience ranges from being a Deputy Head of Sixth Form, Head of Psychology and Lead Practitioner. Kanayo believes that these 3 elements are the driving force of her ministry and career. D.I.G; Drive, Integrity and Grace.
Having a psychology degree provides me with a broad scope to experience many industries and fields of work. Although, my main aim is to continuously learn and also to share my knowledge and experience with others, within and beyond the constraints of the psychology community. Hence my pursuit to teach!
Hopefully, the readers of this blog will find that it is infested with a scope of psychological knowledge, with the intention of conveying psychology in such a way that it is interesting and understandable to those who aren’t studying it as a discipline. In addition, you will find that I heavily cover various topics aside of psychology such as, Christianity because I am a Christian. I draw both passions together, Psychology and Christianity, observing how they complement and sometimes clash! This blog is where ‘Psychology meets Scripture’.
As well as teaching Psychology, I know God has called me to do something far greater in this world. My passion is for His Word and to encourage others to read the Bible, fall in love with it, but most importantly…fall in love with The Author! My role of teaching is not limited to psychology. I strongly believe God is stirring up the ‘teacher’ office of the Five fold ministry in me.
I’m a doctor by virtue, healing and performing heart surgery with words of encouragement.
I am extremely driven and passionate about getting everyone; both Christians and non-Christians to read, understand and live out the word of God. To achieve this, I’ve created online Bible Challenges, whereby people around the world via social media, read a book in the Bible, one chapter a day and share what they have drawn out from the text. I have numerous Bible challenges, all accessible from my blog (www.doctorkanayo.com) and the YouVersion Bible App where over 250,000 people have completed my devotionals around the world. One Bible Challenge at a time, I aim to change the skewed perceptions of the Bible being irrelevant and to show the true reality that the bible is ‘juicy’, tremendously relevant, fun and easy to read. My one prayer is that my teachings and writings from His word, will touch at least ONE person. That would be a serious mission accomplished to the glory of God!
If you have anything you would like me to blog about, do let me know by either commenting, or contacting me via my contact form.
Thank you for visiting my blog. With love, Kanayo x
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One thought on “Day 1 – Psychology of Forgiveness”
This is amazing! And so timely in my life. Thank you! I’ve been following your blog ever since I did a YouVersion Bible plan that you authored a couple of years ago.
I’m so thankful you have recovered from your physical crisis, and I want you to know that even people you don’t know pray for you and gain so much spiritually from your wisdom, vulnerability, and gift of writing!
This is amazing! And so timely in my life. Thank you! I’ve been following your blog ever since I did a YouVersion Bible plan that you authored a couple of years ago.
I’m so thankful you have recovered from your physical crisis, and I want you to know that even people you don’t know pray for you and gain so much spiritually from your wisdom, vulnerability, and gift of writing!
God BLESS you! ❤️