Forgiving is easy. Forgetting the experience that comes before the forgiveness, however, always remains with us. Choosing to forgive means choosing to let go of the bad or negative emotions that one experiences so that we can live in peace and harmony.
Five years ago I went through a painful divorce. My older brother, a great believer of our faith, was very angry at my decision to divorce. Despite his response I felt my decision was correct. After two years of arguing over the phone and hurtful words in emails my brother and I ended our friendship in a cold silence.
Out of the blue he visited the same city that I was living in to see our mother. I thought for nights about how to react to his visit. I sought advice from many friends—all of whom said I should wait for his apology before trying to repair our friendship. Since I had done no wrong, it was he that needed to come to me.
A very close friend advised me otherwise. He said "Choose to be the bigger person here; forgive and forget. Let go, "he said "and move on." Though his words gave me courage, I still felt very angry and betrayed. My dear friend gave me a gentle shove (推,促使)and even stayed on the phone while I went over to greet my brother and family. When I did, I felt so relieved. I felt peace at last!
Today I am so grateful to my friend for encouraging me. If I hadn't taken his advice, I wouldn't enjoy the loving relationship that I do now with all of my family. Still, it would be a lie it I said that I didn't think about the past sometimes. The difference is that I do not feel angry. I am at peace and have a greater understanding and acceptance of the whole experience. In short I feel I have grown since then.
In the author's opinion, the purpose of forgiving is ______.
A.to forget unpleasant experience |
B.to make up with relatives or friends |
C.to let go of the bad or negative emotions |
D.to make ourselves live in peace and harmony |
Which of the following is the closest in meaning to the phrase "let go of" in the first paragraph?
A.give up | B.give out |
C.give away | D.give off |
What drove the author to forgive her brother?
A.One close friend's encouragement. |
B.The friend's staying on the phone. |
C.Her mother's persuasion. |
D.Her own understanding with growth. |
It can be inferred that the author ______.
A.realized her mistake in her divorce in the end |
B.learned how to forget unpleasant experiences |
C.felt having learned to forgive means growth |
D.thought friendship is the most important of all |