Reflection
God’s forgiveness is unconditional; it comes from a heart that does not demand anything for itself, a heart that is completely empty of self-seeking. It is this divine forgiveness that I have to practice in my daily life. It tells me to keep stepping over all my arguments that say forgiveness is unwise, unhealthy, and impractical. It challenges me to step over all my needs for gratitude and compliments. Finally, it demands of me that I step over that wounded part of my heart that feels hurt and wronged and that wants to stay in control and put a few conditions between me and the one I am asked to forgive. This “stepping over” is the authentic discipline of forgiveness.
Henri Nouwen
Prayer
Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Action
Think of what you believe about God’s unconditional forgiveness. Do you believe this? How does it affect your life? How does it impel you to act toward others? Is there a situation in your life that calls for forgiving? What will you do about this?
Suggested Reading
You, O God, are forgiving and good,
abounding in love to all who call to you.
Psalm 86:5
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!”
Matthew 18:21
Each act of forgiveness fixes the cracks in the house and strengthens its walls.
Pope Francis
Those who cannot forgive others break the bridge over which they themselves must pass.
Confucius
Without forgiveness there is no future. To forgive is the only way to permanently change the world.
Desmond Tutu
Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.
Mark Twain
We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love.
Martin Luther King, Jr.
You hurt yourself more by not forgiving than by anything done to you by another. William Fergus Martin
The practice of forgiveness is our most important contribution to the healing of the world.
Marianne Williamson
It’s not an easy journey, to get to a place where you forgive people. But it is such a powerful place, because it frees you.
Tyler Perry
Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.
Corrie Ten Boom