Modern research highlights distinct differences between the act of forgiving and the cognitive process of forgetting:

: Studies show that "emotional forgiveness"—truly letting go of negative feelings—can lead to higher levels of incidental forgetting regarding specific traits of the offender.

If you are navigating a difficult situation, practitioners often suggest these strategies:

: Some religious teachings, such as those from Pastor Rick Warren , suggest that while humans cannot literally forget trauma, they can choose to no longer let the hurt control their lives. Practical Steps for Moving Forward

: If forgiving yourself, follow steps of Responsibility, Remorse, Restoration, and Renewal .