I think very often it comes down to pride standing in our way of forgiveness…leading us to hold on to our grudges, nurse our hurts, and resent others (or the world itself) for the impact they’ve had on us.
It’s pride, and the entitlement that stems from it…and the answer requires both meditating on the good *and* subsuming the ego — we must understand that we aren’t owed a pain-free life, that God is at the helm not us, and that our own tiny wants aren’t relevant in the grand scheme of things.
Yes, forgiveness is letting go of all of the hurts instead of nurturing them like some Gollum child. And even more, offer a cup of mercy to those whom we encounter who hurt us, or who are associated with the hurt. Extending a hand of reconciliation and offering a cup of mercy, even if it is rejected or misunderstood, is one of the most joyful freeing actions we can take on our journey of rejoicing in every circumstance. At least, that's what I'm learning.
“forgiveness.” What it literally means is “letting go.”
Matthew 18:21-22 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
God wants you to let the infraction go for your benefit, not for the benefit of the one who did the terrible deed.
This is why we subscribe to the dear Klavans. Great minds but also profound and articulate faith. Where else do we get that winning combination on line? After I read this I had two dental extractions. I really had to let those decayed items go and forgive the dentist. Thanks for preparing me for real life application. On a more serious note, does Israel have to forgive Iran and minions and how would that look? Will blacks ever forgive the past, and how about Indians, Mormons, Italians and the Irish who were all treated abominably? The list goes on. My teeth had to be broken to be eliminated. We need broken hearts all around before the healing can begin. God help us.
"And thou art more foolish and unreasonable than a little child, who, playing with the parts of a skillfully made watch, dares to say that, as he does not understand it’s use, because he does not believe in the master who made it.
Unhappiness is a form of darkness, having the bravery to let go in the “darkness” may be due to the belief in the safety net , yet unseen.
Convincing oneself to let go though, like C S Lewis, you’ll be surprised by joy 😇
My entire adult life I’ve simultaneously been optimistic and pessimistic.
The terrorists are attacking, but the west has a strong military.
The race hustlers are lying, but the people see past it.
There’s a secret government ushering in a new world order, but honest revolutionaries are banding together under the constitution.
When I stare into the abyss, I admit I shudder, but when I live locally, I can’t help but rejoice.
I think very often it comes down to pride standing in our way of forgiveness…leading us to hold on to our grudges, nurse our hurts, and resent others (or the world itself) for the impact they’ve had on us.
It’s pride, and the entitlement that stems from it…and the answer requires both meditating on the good *and* subsuming the ego — we must understand that we aren’t owed a pain-free life, that God is at the helm not us, and that our own tiny wants aren’t relevant in the grand scheme of things.
Yes, forgiveness is letting go of all of the hurts instead of nurturing them like some Gollum child. And even more, offer a cup of mercy to those whom we encounter who hurt us, or who are associated with the hurt. Extending a hand of reconciliation and offering a cup of mercy, even if it is rejected or misunderstood, is one of the most joyful freeing actions we can take on our journey of rejoicing in every circumstance. At least, that's what I'm learning.
“forgiveness.” What it literally means is “letting go.”
Matthew 18:21-22 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
God wants you to let the infraction go for your benefit, not for the benefit of the one who did the terrible deed.
Wow. Powerful essay. Tears.
Straight to the heart, Mr. Klaven, the Younger. You and your father fill me with relief and joy that there are still such men amongst us. Thank you.
You left out something. You should have said, “You and your father—no relation— fill me with relief and joy…” 😇
Thank you for pointing out that omission - I'll try to do better.
This is why we subscribe to the dear Klavans. Great minds but also profound and articulate faith. Where else do we get that winning combination on line? After I read this I had two dental extractions. I really had to let those decayed items go and forgive the dentist. Thanks for preparing me for real life application. On a more serious note, does Israel have to forgive Iran and minions and how would that look? Will blacks ever forgive the past, and how about Indians, Mormons, Italians and the Irish who were all treated abominably? The list goes on. My teeth had to be broken to be eliminated. We need broken hearts all around before the healing can begin. God help us.
Rest
Think about such things: Philippians 4:8, what a verse.
The call here is excellence.
Peter Bence, Letting It Go.
Beautiful.
Great words of encouragement.
Tolstoy;
war & peace
atheist , definition:
"And thou art more foolish and unreasonable than a little child, who, playing with the parts of a skillfully made watch, dares to say that, as he does not understand it’s use, because he does not believe in the master who made it.
Unhappiness is a form of darkness, having the bravery to let go in the “darkness” may be due to the belief in the safety net , yet unseen.
Convincing oneself to let go though, like C S Lewis, you’ll be surprised by joy 😇
& that’s worth a read too 👍