How can we forgive those who do not want to be forgiven? Our deepest desire is that the forgiveness we offer will be received. This mutuality between giving and receiving is what creates peace and harmony. But if our condition for giving forgiveness is that it will be received, we seldom will forgive! Forgiving the other is first and foremost an inner movement. It is an act that removes anger, bitterness, and the desire for revenge from our hearts and helps us to reclaim our human dignity. We cannot force those we want to forgive into accepting our forgiveness. They might not be able or willing do so. They may not even know or feel that they have wounded us.
The only people we can really change are ourselves. Forgiving others is first and foremost healing our own hearts.
For further reflection...
"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other that you may be healed." - James 5: 16
This post was written by Henri Nouwen. Go here for more information: henrinouwen.org
The only people we can really change are ourselves. Forgiving others is first and foremost healing our own hearts.
For further reflection...
"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other that you may be healed." - James 5: 16
This post was written by Henri Nouwen. Go here for more information: henrinouwen.org
RSS Feed