So, the Sacrament of Reconciliation makes right our sins against God and others. But, what about those sins perpetrated against us?
To whom much is given, much is expected. ~ Luke 12:48 ~
When we walk out of the confessional basking in the glow of healing and renewal, we MUST pass the forgiveness on...for the other...but, more importantly for ourself.
In our society, forgiveness is often seen as weakness. People who forgive those who have hurt them or their family are made to look as if they really don't care about their loved ones. But forgiveness is tremendous strength. It is the action of someone who refuses to be consumed by hatred and revenge. ~ Helen Prejean, csj ~
And, by ridding ourselves of hatred and revenge, we also rid ourselves of stress and anxiety. We stop dwelling on the particulars of the offense, we avoid becoming consumed by the desire to punish the other and, we find peace...happiness...emotional and spiritual healing.
Forgiving the other means we take away the power we have given that person over our life. Forgiveness allows us to stand up straight and strong, and to loudly proclaim:
"I will be a victim no longer!"
So, what is YOUR decision?
Will YOU continue on in weakness?
Will YOU allow pride...hatred...revenge to ruin YOUR life?
Or...
Do YOU have the strength it takes to forgive and live free...
to evict that person or circumstance YOU allow...
to live rent-free in YOUR psyche?
For more on grudges, bitterness, and forgiveness go to:
FORGIVENESS: HOW TO LET GO OF GRUDGES AND BITTERNESS ~ MAYOCLINIC.COM ~
AbleSea.com Disability Community Providing HELP, RESOURCES and INFORMATION to Everyone
There are other considerations.
ReplyDeleteWe can forgive those who have harmed us and we can find it just and appropriate that such people receive a just sanction for the harm they have caused.
In addition, do we forgive those who are not sorry for their transgressions.
Use Christ as an example, in that context. Forgiveness has some requirements on the transgressor. The transgressor must have a change of heart, confess his sins and follow Christ in faithe, heart and deed, before salvation is given.
The question is should forgiveness be given to the non repentant? Christ/God doesn't give it under those circumstances.
I appreciate your comment. And agree with you to a point. Certainly, that is why in a civilized society there are laws and sanctions...and, we know that God will have His Day of Judgment on us all.
ReplyDeleteThe point I am making is this: when we don't forgive...we just keep picking the scab...and then, we don't heal.
Forgiveness has very little to do with the transgressor, and everything to do with the one doing the forgiving.
So, yes I do forgive even those that appear non- repentant...because, I am not doing it for them...they probably don't care either way...I am forgiving for me...for my peace.
That doesn't mean I find it easy...or, that I go back again and again for more abuse...just that I believe the act of forgiving is the right thing to do for my soul.
And, I come to it right from the words of Christ as He died on the cross: "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do."
He was God, He could have very easily picked them out one by one for damnation...He could very well have said: "Father, forgive only those who see the error of their ways."
But, instead he showed us what true forgiveness really is...and, as for who will be granted salvation and who won't, while I believe that the Catholic Church is the true path to salvation...there are many ways up that mountain, and I don't presume to usurp God's ultimate authority in that. :-)