Makrothume

 

Makrothumeo is the Greek word for forgive. Its literal meaning is ‘have patience with me; give me time.”

How much time? Seventy times seven was Jesus' reply when Peter asked him this question. Forgiveness is an important part of all relationships. Without forgiveness relationships can be hindered for both the person needing forgiveness and the person doing the forgiving. According to professors Frank Fincham and Julie Hall at the University of Buffalo and Steven Beach, at the University of Georgia, when partners hurt each other, there is often a shift in their goals for their relationship. They might have previously professed undying love and worked hard to cooperate with their partner, but if this partner betrays them, suddenly they become more competitive. They focus on getting even and keeping score instead of enjoying each other. They concentrate on not losing arguments rather than on compromise. They use past transgressions to remind the partner of his or her failings. Forgiveness, assert Fincham and his colleagues, can help restore more benevolent and cooperative goals to relationships.”

The bottom line is that all relationships will be tested. Couples who have the right skills to forgive are the ones that score big. Forgiving People are indeed happier and healthier!