Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Forgiveness does not mean condoning or approving sin. It does not mean excusing it or justifying it either. But it does mean coming to the place where you realize it is neither fair nor reasonable to hold ill-will toward another person for something in the past outside his or her ability to change.
Forgiveness is not for present or future sins. That is condoning. Forgiveness doesn't mean sweeping the sin under the carpet or out of sight so you don't feel the pain of it any longer. It means facing the offense, coming to the place where you know it was wrong, that it was chosen, that the person didn't have to commit that sin, and then knowing that sin against you was up front and personal, choose to forgive it.
Beyond this, lack of forgiveness hurts others and ourselves as well. There is no good that comes out of it. Only hatred and bitterness and eventually hellfire and brimstone.
Forgiveness is a sign of maturity, of sincerity, of true love and a true relationship.