Steps towards Reconciliation

There are series of steps suggested in the book to effectively manage a conflict situation in which an offender and the offended party attempt to work through the issues necessary for forgiveness and reconciliation, if desired by both parties.

Step One: The Account and the Apology

This means the offender owes an apology and explanation of his wrong doing to the offended.

Step Two: Acceptance of Account and Apology or its Absence

It is the offended person’s call to forgive the offender or not, based upon his justification and explanation. Once forgiven is like forgetting the past and moving ahead with a fresh beginning.

Step Three: Forgiveness May or May Not Be Communicated

Restoring back to normal in relationship with the offender is like forgiven without actually communicating. Sometimes, the offended may choose to explicitly convey the offender that you have been forgiven.

Step Four: Transforming the Relationship if Desired

Once forgiven the new relationship may seem different, which is either stronger than before or going on with no enthusiasm.

Step Five: Actions Confirm Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Reconciliation does not mean just forget the past, but it involves building trust and reestablishment of intimacy and faith in the relationship.