Role of Forgiveness within Conflicts

Role of Forgiveness within Conflicts

Chapter ten of the coursebook by (Wilmot & Hocker,2013) shifts the focus to the role of forgiveness within situations of conflicts. There is no unanimity on the standard definition of conflict; this is due to the complexity associated with the concept of forgiveness. (McCullough et al.,2000)defines forgiveness as the deliberate decision to limit negative thoughts and unpleasant behavior such as anger, aggression directed towards a perceived or real offender, or a hurtful situation and to begin a reasonable understanding of the offender and the offense committed. Similarly,(McCullough et al.,2000) opines that forgiveness is associated with the capacity of the heart to release its hold onto the pains and transgressions of the past and free itself to go on. It is thus instructive that forgiveness involves freeing oneself from rage, motivation for vengeance towards those who have committed acts of harm on one, those whom you love, and also those you identify with. To forgive means a stop to feelings of anger and resentfulness towards one for their flaws, mistakes, and offenses.

This paper will address the role of forgiveness with particular emphasis on its role in conflict situations.

Forgiveness is a very vital mental process that is cognitive that precedes conflict that is traumatic in nature. Fundamentally, it has a very productive role in resolving disputes. Without forgiveness, the resolution of conflict remains at best, a farce. It is, therefore, the primary starting point in the attempt to reasonably resolve any disagreement.(Ruth &Cahn,2011) makes the proposition that initially, forgiveness starts with anger and transforms into the constructive resolution of conflict.

Forgiveness is the newest frontier in the process of conflict resolution. It should be recalled that since the end of the cold war, there has been an upsurge of cooperation on the global scale between Nations and an increase in the number of acts of apologies and corresponding forgiveness across the globe. (Scott,2000) makes the observation that there has been a significant shift by scholars of conflict resolution to undertake a serious analysis of modern-day concepts such as reconciliation and forgiveness, this strategies succinctly captures the spirit and practice modern-day management of conflict.

The greatest success of forgiveness can be attributed to South Africa with particular regard to the results of The Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission, which premised the foundation reconstructing and healing the nation on forgiveness and reconciliation, they registered excellent results. Parties to a dispute must take cognizance of the fact that conflict is a relational issue emanating from failed interaction. Therefore, both sides have obligations of reconstructing the diminishing relationships, which ultimately result in the reconstruction of their identities, thereby leading to the temporary restoration of humanity (Joseph &Montville,2001).

Forgiveness is increasingly becoming a key ingredient in resolving conflicts that have even reached genocidal proportions. To date, apologies and forgiveness are increasing gaining premium as the tools for addressing past wrongs and infractions committed. It is notable that while forgiveness is futurist in approach, it conveniently connects itself with both the past and the present. (Wilmot & Hocker,2013) opine that the process of forgiveness takes account of commission or omission by one party against another and the corresponding willingness of offenders to acknowledge their transgressions. Further, there must be a motivation to repair relations and reluctance to exercise vengeance.

In using the doctrine of forgiveness, the offending party is exonerated from actual punishment for their past misdeeds, but there exists a requirement for the acknowledgment of guilt. This constitutes naming and shaming, and herein lies a semblance of administration of justice to the aggrieved. It is agreeable that it is every victim’s initial reaction that any offender should be punished for mistakes committed.

The biggest setback for proponents of forgiveness as an alternative for conflict resolution is the difficulty of coming to terms with traumatic losses experienced historically (Joseph &Montville,2001). These losses and sore wounds are so overbearing that they are considered historical injustices that cannot be merely mitigated by forgiveness. Consequently, this threatens to be a significant detriment to this approach to conflict resolution.

The application of forgiveness is, however, dodged by certain misconceptions.(Enright et.al,2001) helps in the understanding of what forgiveness is by reminding us and venturing in what it is not. He outlines the following as serious misconceptions in the understanding of forgiveness. First, he asserts that forgiveness does not negate or minimize an event or situation. This is true since the overriding principle of forgiveness is the truth about what transpired and the attendant consequences; it doesn’t condone nor excuse the offender nor the offense committed.

Another misconception is that forgiveness is not indifferent to justice. It has the potential to hold someone to account for his negative deeds on the strength of truth adduced during confessions. It also has the ability for restitution and retribution as it tones down on resentment that accompanies protracted conflicts.

Conclusively, forgiveness has attained global prominence as the most preferred tool for the resolution of conflicts. It is proactive in nature and oriented towards seeking lasting peace and fostering relationships among humanity.

REFERENCES

Wilmot, W. W., & Hocker, J. L. (2013). Interpersonal conflict.New York City: McGraw-Hill Higher Education.

Lawler, K. A., Younger, J. W., Piferi, R. L., Billington, E., Jobe, R., Edmondson, K., & Jones, W. H. (2003). A change of heart: Cardiovascular correlates of forgiveness in response to interpersonal conflict. Journal of behavioral medicine, 26(5), 373-393.

Zechmeister, J. S., & Romero, C. (2002). Victim and offender accounts of interpersonal conflict: Autobiographical narratives of forgiveness and unforgiveness. Journal of personality and social psychology, 82(4), 675.

Huang, S. T. T., & Enright, R. D. (2000). Forgiveness and anger-related emotions in Taiwan: Implications for therapy. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research, Practice, Training, 37(1), 71.

Montville, J. V. (2002). Religion and peacemaking. Forgiveness and reconciliation: Religion, public policy, and conflict transformation, 97-116.

McCullough, M. E. (2000). Forgiveness as human strength: Theory, measurement, and links to well-being. Journal of social and clinical psychology, 19(1), 43-55.

Cahn, D. D., & Abigail, R. A. (2007). Managing conflict through communication. Pearson/Allyn and Bacon.