Leader Resource 1: Three-step Forgiveness Letter
Step One: Feeling Letter
Dear (person's name),
A) Anger. Write your feelings of anger. I am angry that... / I am furious... / I hate...
B) Sadness. Write your feelings of sadness. I am sad that...
C) Fear. Write your feelings of fear. I am afraid that...
D) Sorrow or regret. Write your feelings of lament. I am sorry that...
Signed, (your name)
EXAMPLE
Dear Pogo,
I am angry that you stole my pencil and tried to pretend the dog took it. It makes me feel like you don't respect me or my things. I thought you were my friend but you don't act like a friend. That makes me sad. I don't want to talk to you anymore.
Signed, Logo
Step Two: Response Letter
Dear (your name),
(Write their letter to you)
Signed, (person's name)
EXAMPLE
Dear Logo,
I am sorry I stole your pencil and I am sorry I lied and said it was the dog who took it. I really want you to be my friend, but I guess I need to act like a friend first. Please forgive me. I will do (insert solution) to make it up to you.
Signed, Pogo
Step Three: Forgiveness Letter
Dear (person's name),
(Write your letter)
Signed: (your name)
EXAMPLE
Dear Pogo,
I forgive you for taking my pencil and lying about it. Of course I want to be your friend. Let's agree to respect each other's things and tell the truth.
Signed, Logo
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Last updated on Thursday, October 27, 2011.
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