Random Thoughts on Forgiveness

Christian virtues, oft absent when most needed, and are some of THE most difficult to swallow:

1. Opting not to defend yourself.
2. Chosing to consider the ways in which you are guilty, rather than the ways in which you are innocent. (or the other person is guilty). Truly I believe that there can never be true forgiveness without this.
3. Apologizing without expectation for merit.
4. Walking away, instead of ________________
5. Listening, when words of truth hurt.
6. Acknowledging and accepting an apology...honestly with little regard for THEIR honesty, perceived or otherwise.
7. Recognizing that we really have no foundation for safely harboring "righteous indignation." (aka "anger").

Comments

Fr. David said…
Ah, the layers of inner struggles. Ego is so funny....

It's one of the few things that can even take what's meant to put it down and use it as a means to lift itself up. Turning the other cheek begets martyr's complex. Apology begets look-at-me false humility. Acceptance of apology of others begets confidence in own skepticism. Righteous indignation begets self-righteous annoyance.

Funny how we often need saving from what's supposed to help save us...
fdj said…
Certainly gives one pause to ask how on earth we could ever trust ourselves to properly discern spiritual matters on our own.

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