By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills

Our characters experience life, and that means they can be wronged or they wrong someone else. Forgiveness can be a difficult task either for someone else or ourselves. It’s an intentional and conscious decision to get rid of resentment, hatred, or desire for revenge. 

When a character forgives, the act doesn’t mean the hurt isn’t serious. Neither is the act an excuse for the person who caused the injury to continue in their behavior. Forgiveness doesn’t eliminate responsibility and legal ramifications. 

The character who forgives understands:

1. The pain is real and the damage sometimes doesn’t vanish. Yet, the character is no longer filled with bitterness and cancels revenge.
2. Legal or moral consequences are still in place.
3. Forgiveness frees us from anger.
4. Trust is something that is earned, and the one who inflicted damage may never regain our trust.
5. Many times the character must repeat or reaffirm the act of forgiveness. Our characters may have faced a tragedy or an incredible injustice, and forgiving takes strength, courage, and reliance on God.
6. The act of forgiveness opens the door to mend a scarred relationship.
7. Scripture says to forgive whoever hurts us, no matter the infraction. God’s word also shows He forgave us of our sins, and we are to do likewise without keeping track of the wrongs. It’s all about grace.
8. Their hearts are cleansed, but it doesn’t mean they park wisdom and insight at the door.
9. They are empowered to show pain doesn’t define them.
10. Forgiveness builds character.

What happens when our character holds on to the bitterness trap?

1. Hatred and bitterness grow until the character is consumed as  though diagnosed with a terminal disease.
2. Depression sets in.
3. A poor attitude toward life can cause physical illnesses.
4. Inner and outer anger occur frequently.
5. Vengeance can break the law and consequences must be met.
6. The character is separated from God, alone, and miserable.
7. Relationships are ruined.

The writer uses forgiveness to weave character and plot in a way to deepen the story. In turn, the reader sees a glimpse of reality that may be evident in their lives when forgiveness is an issue.

How have you used forgiveness or unforgiveness in your story?

DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She is a storyteller. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Suspense Sister, and International Thriller Writers. She is co-director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and The Mountainside Marketing Conference with social media specialist Edie Melson. She teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn is active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.

Follow DiAnn on Twitter: @DiAnnMills