How can you forgive someone when they keep on doing things that hurt you (like your mother-in-law)?

I can see how in an abusive relationship you can leave the person and then forgive him, I can see how you can set limits for a person and hold them to those limits and then forgive her, but when you know you're dealing with a person who will be abusive to you no matter what limits you set and whom you cannot break away from, how do you truly forgive her (and let go)? Sure, I can tell myself that I am doing this, but I don't seem to really ever let it go.How can you forgive someone when they keep on doing things that hurt you (like your mother-in-law)?
Boy is this a good question! I'm in the same boat with my mother. No matter what I do, she keeps finding a way of hurting me. And she's so creative about it! It comes from an angle I least suspect! She's good. When you are IN an abusive relationship, I'm not so sure it's your job to forgive them. Setting limits and holding them to it requires vigilance. And being aware of their destructiveness also requires you keep your guard up. You are not required to like every one on the planet. So give yourself permission to dislike them. But it depends on what that dislike encompasses. If you want to ';get even'; with them, you have lowered yourself to their level, and given up time in your life by spending it thinking about them. That is not good. Distancing yourself as much as possible is another defense mechanism. And I don't mean just physically. Don't give them emotional power over you, to make you mad, to hurt you, to ruin your day. (I know, I talk a good fight). Once you separate from the person, and view them as someone you share space with occasionally, but really don't like, it may give you freedom to be less enmeshed in their destructive behaviors. I try to forgive my mom, as I know she has had a hard life. Her perpetuation of emotional abuse is harder to forgive. Once I came to the realization that I really don't like the person she chooses to be, it was a relief. I wish you all the luck in the world.How can you forgive someone when they keep on doing things that hurt you (like your mother-in-law)?
It will definetly take time for you to even be able to see this person's face again. My mom has a monster in law (lol) and it's taken her 3 years and she still won't talk to her. And forgiveness doesn't mean telling the person that what they did was okay. Forgiveness doesn't mean you forget about what this person did. It means (well, to me atleast) that you are willing to move on, accept the past as the past, and move forward with the future. Keep in mind that if you do forgive this person, it doesn't mean you're going to go see movies and have coffee with each other.
keep in mindd even though your mother in law is makeing you feel bad she is the reason you have your husband.
Set your limits by refusing to associate with them. You already know what they're about.
your mil keeps hurting you cause you allow her to! keep your distance %26amp; don't let the trivial stupid stuff affect you ! Yes i know it's easy to say but why are you worried over forgiving her so soon from the anguish she put upon you ?? Don't respond to her abusive behavior in fact stay away from her completely she's an in-law let your other 1/2 go around no one says you have to .!! Because you don't have to go for your weekly dose of abuse !! Stay away from her period!! the forgivenes part may come much later if @ all.Sorry but no secret remedy for forgiveness. Remember there is a difference from forgiving %26amp; forgetting !!!
Cut her out of your life and try to accept the past for what it is and try not to dwell on it too much.
Patience is a virtue but there is also a saying enough is enough!

So if you think she will continues to hate you then it's a lose battle. You should be the one to surrender and remove yourself from her. Because the more you try to compete with her or try to win her good graces you might end up being just like her. And the more resentment will come that you will totally cursed each other. You wouldn't want to be like her do you? To fight her with her own strategies. You wouldn't want to be tainted with too much hatred? Why give her so much effort and attention when she was not even good to you. Maybe it is she who has a problem. Just wait for the time when she comes around. Give her space and yourself too.
God forgive's us even we are a sinner, Jesus taught us in prayer ';as we forgive those who sin's against us';. Look at the bright side, find out why she doesn't like you, there should have a logical reason, you can't please everybody but I am sure that there is always something that pleases her. Take out your pride and be humble sometimes, you have nothing to loose by doing that.
I feel the same way. I keep telling myself to let it go. You don't live with her and if you do she must go or you go. Put your foot down politely. move as far away from her as you can and try not to see her as often.
People will abuse you will continue as long as you allow it. Just because she is your spouse's mother doesn't give her the right to abuse anyone. I have a question for you. Do you really believe she is sorry if she continues to do things that she knows is hurt full? the words ';I'm sorry'; mean nothing unless the person speaks it from the heart.
She probably has a jealousy thing of letting go of her son and she totally hate or is sour bcuz u r ..u. U don't have to take that crap she obviously has issues she needs to work on but dumps it on u with her immature behavior. Don't go around to her when u don't have to, not even just to stop by . If u have been nice to her then u did ur part , just ignore her an dthink that she is crazy or something but if u trult did something its best to apologize and mean it. I would ignore her though she is just going to ruin yourelationship with u and your spouse.

If anything get a restraining order Or tell her straight up what her problem is with you. But do it so u won't get in a fight , u know wat i am saying? If u have kids limit tehre visits especially only if she bashes u and your spouse, they don't have to here that from her or u . Just be and let her be in her own rotten bubble all she wants. I think she needs to vent to someone professional.