lOMoARcPSD|21126671
Journal Article Review
Integration of Spiritualty and Counseling (Liberty
University)
lOMoARcPSD|21126671
JOURNAL ARTICLE REVIEW 1
Journal Article Review
Summary
The article “Theological and Psychological Defense of Self-Forgiveness: Implications for
Counseling” discusses how self-forgiveness is crucial for overcoming negative thoughts about
oneself after a moral violation. However, in response to objections to this concept, the authors
Kim, Jichan J; Enright, and Robert D, make an effort to provide theological and psychological
support for self-forgiveness by addressing the following four questions: (1) Is self-forgiveness
similar to or distinct from forgiveness from God? (2) What does self-forgiveness entail? (3) Can
we rationally address the criticisms of self-forgiveness? (4) How does self-forgiveness interact
with divine and person-to-person forgiveness? The authors respond to these queries and then
outline four consequences for counselors working with clients who are having a hard time
forgiving themselves. When directed by a counselor who understands the essence of what self-
forgiveness is and is not, more clients need to have access to self-forgiveness as one form of the
attribute of forgiveness. This experience that frees them from self-condemnation may further
improve the client’s mental health (Kim, Jichan, Enright, Robert, 2014).
The first question “ ” is How Does Self-Forgiveness Differ from Divine Forgiveness?
explained as when someone forgives, they give up their right to hold grudges without giving up
their right to be resentful and instead extend kindness, compassion, and even love to the
offender who may not have deserved such gifts. While acknowledging that someone must take
responsibility for the wrongful act against another person, forgiveness does not discount what
has already occurred. So, it stands to reason that only the one who was mistreated can extend
