Forgiveness: a journey of miracles

As I have aimed at readying myself for this topic of Forgiveness, I have realized it is a vast and deep subject that deserves not only careful contemplation, but a lifetime of intentional action and understanding. This will be the first in a series of what Forgiveness looks like, feels like, tastes like and how it reveals its self to us.

I like so very much the following:

William Shakespeare

The quality of mercy is not strain’d,
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath: it is twice bless’d;
It blesseth him that gives and him that takes:
‘Tis mightiest in the mightiest: it becomes
The throned monarch better than his crown;
His sceptre shows the force of temporal power,
The attribute to awe and majesty,
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings;
But mercy is above this sceptred sway;
It is enthroned in the heart of kings, 
It is an attribute to God himself;
And earthly power doth then show likest God’s
When mercy seasons justice.

Shakespeare launches us in the mindset of Forgiveness. Forgiveness is received and it is also given. Sometimes the receiver deserves to be forgiven and sometimes they do not. As I read this and many sources, I have concluded one thing for sure: Forgiveness is a journey of miracles.

Mahatma Gandhi said, "The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." I believe this is true. It is not all forgiveness is, but it is at least true of forgiveness. John MacArther says, "Forgiveness unleashes joy. It brings peace. It washes the slate clean. It sets all the highest values of love in motion. In a sense, forgiveness is Christianity at its highest level."

 I love what Paul says, he puts it in such a simple way that explodes with depth, "In as much as possible with you, live at peace with all men." What is possible with me? What is possible with you?

I have made a small list of what I think forgiveness is NOT: 

• Forgiveness does not make sin okay.
• Forgiveness does not enable.
• Not denying the wrong doing.
• Not waiting for an apology.
• Forgiveness is not forgetting.
• Forgiveness is not a one time event.
• Forgiveness is not neglecting justice.
• Forgiveness is NOT trusting.
• Forgiveness is NOT reconciliation.

I'd like to talk about these aspects of forgiveness and the pain we suffer from being wronged. Everyone, everywhere has harmed another and we have all been harmed. How does forgiveness fit into our freedom and our ability to love and to be accepted by God.

Meditate on this: Matthew 6:7-15 and think on these things. What does it say about you? What does it say about God? What do you need to change?

Part 1