Most people are not going to rush to give mercy or grace; by nature it is difficult to forgive. It is the main belief of most religion and exactly what the Bible teaches us to practice, Colossians 3:13, Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (NIV)
Application
As a clinical social worker providing geriatric care services, I can provide therapy to address any emotional or behavioral needs using forgiveness therapy. When Robert a 70 year old resident at the Veterans Living Center (nursing homes) comes to me because his son has previously taking advantage of him and he needs someone to talk to about the experience. He feel because of he was mistreated in the relationship it is okay for him to cut all ties with his son. First I would express to Robert that it is okay to be angry. I would give him the opportunity to reveal this anger and any feelings that possibly come from the pain of his son mistreating him. The more time he spends discussing his feelings regarding the situation helps to uncover how it has affected him. Seeing what it has done to him may help him to make the choice to forgive his son.
From here hopefully Robert can make the decision to forgive. Helping him think through all of the negative effects not forgiving has had on him, as well as, the possibility