Index IntroductionMisconceptions about ForgivenessThe Benefits of ForgivenessThe Power of Forgiveness in Literature and Real LifeConclusionWorks CitedIntroductionHave you ever felt distressed by the action of another? Did you feel the need to take revenge to move forward or did you feel sympathy towards your transgressor? Forgiveness requires choosing to eliminate revenge and resentment (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2017). Forgiveness occurs in different circumstances throughout life and is important for the development of the person and society as a whole. Although giving forgiveness can be seen as overlooking the wrongdoer's action, the power of forgiveness improves mental and physical health, improves relationships with others, and provides spiritual well-being for both sides of the conflict. Therefore, forgiveness should be granted. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Misconceptions About Forgiveness There are many misconceptions made about what forgiveness is and what it is not. As reported by Bob Enright, professor of educational psychology at the University of Wisconsin, genuine forgiveness requires empathy and consideration towards the transgressor and is not equivalent to restorative justice (Weir, 2017). Acquittal is not a symptom of weakness, but rather shows the victim's strength in his ability to let go of grievances. As stated in an academic journal, forgiveness is commonly perceived as a characteristic of strength and ethics (Cosgrove and Konstam, 2008). The benefits of forgiveness Forgiveness reaps health benefits. When faced with adverse situations, feelings of anger and resentment develop. Anger leads to increased stress levels causing deleterious effects on physical health. Yoichi Chida, MD, PhD found in his meta-analysis that anger increases the chances of heart attack and intensifies the effects of pre-existing heart disease (Weir, 2017). Additionally, according to a health article, forgiveness leads to a lower risk of heart attack, lower blood pressure, increased cholesterol, and fewer mental health problems (“Forgiveness: Your Health Depends on It”). It can be deduced that forgiveness provides benefits for physical and mental health. Additionally, forgiveness improves relationships. Whether it's romantic relationships or conflicts with colleagues, forgiveness can relieve tension created by resentment or feelings of revenge. In fact, one study demonstrated that forgiveness-based therapy produced positive changes in marital connection (Ripley & Worthington, 2002). The focus of this study is that forgiveness is fundamental in any type of relationship. Lack of forgiveness can negatively affect one's connection with others by creating a block of resentment and/or resentment. However, this does not mean overlooking the actions of the transgressor but rather recognizing the offense and advising him to learn from his mistakes. In another article, researchers state that respecting forgiveness is vital to relationships because it encourages the individual to give up feelings of revenge and animosity (Cosgrove and Konstam, 2008). When an individual abandons the aforementioned feelings, means for reconciliation are opened up. Furthermore, forgiveness improves the spiritual well-being of both parties involved. Research explains how forgiving individuals are likely to carry reduced signs of neuroticism (Weir, 2017). Individuals with high levels of neuroticism experience feelings of bad mood, envy, guilt, frustration and loneliness. Likewise, being ruthless can lead you to think that life has no meaning or that you are at odds with life.