Coming to Terms With Forgiveness

What in the world is forgiveness anyway? Some people say think forgiving is the same as forgetting. Others think to forgive means to give people repeated chances to hurt you.

Jesus made forgiveness a commandment. That means that our emotions, or how we feel about a person, may have little if anything to do with forgiveness.

Read the quote below from Frederick Buechner. What does it mean to forgive someone?

When someone you’ve wronged forgives you, you’re spared the dull and self-diminishing throb of a guilty conscience. When you forgive someone who has wronged you, you’re spared the dismal corrosion of bitterness and wounded pride.

For both parties, forgiveness means the freedom again to be at peace inside their own skins and to be glad in each other’s presence. (From “Wishful Thinking” p.33)

Making a List and Checking it Twice

In preparation for a time of prayer, make a list of people you need to forgive. Prayerfully consider what forgiving them means.

Make a list of anyone you hope will forgive you. Prayerfully consider how you might ask for forgiveness.

Thinking About Forgiveness © 2001 Gordon Atkinson

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