Power to forgive: interpersonal forgiveness from an analytical perspective on power

This article investigates how to understand interpersonal forgiveness from a Christian perspective through content analysis of research-based literature on forgiveness. The is supported by theory power approach, and the science diaconia used as lens describe perspective. focus can be misused when encountering people with traumatic experiences violation manifested sexual misconduct in church context. aim discuss an understanding that conveys freedom redresses for offended, but also offender. led following thematic categories: (1) fellow humans related God’s forgiving human, (2) role function personal life (3) issue between people. Here, important aspect necessity exploring three perspectives dialogue each other, decrease risk misusing not addressing responsibility. Forgiveness must conceptualized within preconditions considering has influenced violated’s self-understanding (the inner relational dimension) contextual status violator’s position outer dimension). provides basis which consider whether will contribute uplifting liberating outcome or avoiding clarification party responsible violation.