Fr Papi Ready 
Costly, Giving up self pity, rights, justice, revenge, anger, resentment. Forgiveness is a choice. Whether it is big or small. Waiting for something to happen to the other. Testimony of Corrie Ten Boom. After the war, Germany, prison guard, feelings came after. We need God’s help to forgive.
Good day friends, I do hope and pray that you are all fine. Well, I am here today to share with you on another wonderful day in our parish. the theme of our today’s sharing is “forgiving others as we have been forgiven”. It is very important to live a life of reconciliation and faith, we need to forgive and the forgiveness of others.
the concept of forgiveness in the Bible revolves around the idea of pardoning an offender and letting go of resentment or the desire for revenge. Biblical forgiveness is seen as a reflection of God’s forgiveness towards us. It requires repentance and faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. The Bible teaches that forgiveness is motivated by love and that we should forgive others as God has forgiven us. It is not about excusing or forgetting wrongdoing, but about releasing the hurt and seeking reconciliation. The act of forgiveness acknowledges the sacrifice of Jesus and the restoration of the relationship between God and humanity. Overall, forgiveness is seen as a crucial aspect of our relationship with God and with others, and it is essential for experiencing peace and freedom from past hurts.
Concrete actions of forgiveness can vary depending on the specific situation and individuals involved. However, here are some examples of concrete actions that demonstrate forgiveness:
- Letting go of resentment: Choosing to release feelings of anger, bitterness, and revenge towards the person who caused harm.
- Seeking reconciliation: Taking steps to repair the broken relationship and restore trust, such as initiating a conversation or offering an apology.
- Showing kindness and compassion: Treating the person with empathy and understanding, even if they don’t deserve it, by extending acts of kindness and support.
- Avoiding gossip or negative talk: Refraining from speaking negatively about the person or spreading rumors or gossip that could further harm their reputation.
- Practicing empathy: Trying to understand the other person’s perspective and motivations, and acknowledging that everyone makes mistakes.
- Praying for the person: Asking for God’s grace and blessings upon the person who caused harm, genuinely wishing them well and seeking their growth and transformation.
- Letting go of the past: Making a conscious decision to not bring up past mistakes or hold them against the person in future interactions.
- Giving the benefit of the doubt: Choosing to see the best in the person, assuming their intentions are good, and not assuming negative motives behind their actions.
- Supporting their growth and change: Encouraging and supporting the person in their efforts to change their behavior or make amends, providing them with opportunities for growth and transformation.
It’s important to note that forgiveness is a personal and individual process, and it may take time and effort to fully forgive someone. These concrete actions can help guide the process of forgiveness, but the specific actions taken may vary depending on the circumstances and the individuals involved.
References:
