“Forgiveness is the economy of the heart.…forgiveness saves the expense of anger, the cost of hatred, the waste of spirits.”
Forgiveness Saves the Expense
In this quote by Hannah More, she emphasizes the value of forgiveness by likening it to an economic phenomenon. Forgiveness, she suggests, is a cost-effective way to maintain emotional well-being. Let's delve deeper into this insightful analysis.
First, forgiveness is described as "the economy of the heart." By using economic terminology, More highlights the practical benefits of forgiveness. Just as an economy aims to manage resources efficiently, forgiveness helps to conserve emotional energy and resources. Holding onto anger and hatred, on the other hand, is portrayed as costly, both emotionally and spiritually. Anger and hatred require considerable energy to maintain, draining one's mental and emotional reserves.
Ultimately, More's message is clear: forgiveness is not only a moral imperative but also a practical approach to life. By choosing forgiveness, individuals can save themselves from the detrimental effects of negative emotions and preserve their well-being.
The Healing Power of Forgiveness
In today's fast-paced and often stressful world, the concept of forgiveness is more relevant than ever. Hannah More's words remind us of the profound impact forgiveness can have on our mental and emotional well-being. It allows us to let go of anger and hatred, freeing up precious energy and allowing us to move forward with a lighter heart.
Importance of Forgiveness
"“Forgiveness is the economy of the heart.…forgiveness saves the expense of anger, the cost of hatred, the waste of spirits.” - Hannah More
- Forgiving a friend who unintentionally hurt you will save you from carrying unnecessary anger and resentment in your heart.
- Forgiving a family member for their mistakes will prevent the costs associated with holding onto hatred and animosity towards them.
- Forgiving yourself for past mistakes will help you avoid wasting your energy on negative feelings and self-blame.
Reflection Questions on Forgiveness
Reflecting on the quote by Hannah More, consider the following questions:
- How does holding onto anger and hatred affect your mental and emotional well-being?
- In what ways can forgiveness help you move forward and release negative emotions?
- Have you experienced the healing power of forgiveness in your own life? If so, how did it impact you?
- How can practicing forgiveness help you cultivate peace and harmony within yourself and your relationships?
- What steps can you take to practice forgiveness in your daily life and promote a healthier heart and spirit?
Similar quotes
“It's cheaper to pardon than to resent. Forgiveness saves the expense of anger, the cost of hatred, and the waste of spirit.”
“Forgiveness spares the expense of anger, the cost of hatred, the waste of spirits.”
“Save your anger to fight injustice. Forgive the rest.”
“Anger and hatred, when left unfed, bleed away like air from a punctured tire, over time and days and years. Forgiveness is stealth.”
“Many people hold onto a grudge because it offers the illusion of power and a perverse feeling of security. But in fact, we are held hostage by our anger. It is never too late to forgive. But you can forgive too soon. I am especially wary of what I call "saintly forgiveness." Premature forgiveness is common among people who avoid conflict. They're afraid of their own anger and the anger of others. But their forgiveness is false. Their anger goes underground. I define forgiving as letting someone back into your heart. This returns us to a loving state -- and not merely within the relationship -- we feel good about ourselves and the world. True forgiveness isn't easy, but it transforms us significantly. To forgive is to love and to feel worthy of love. In that sense, it is always worthwhile.”