Who Do You Need to Forgive?

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An episode of Chris Stefanick's show (Real Life Catholic) came into my inbox. It was a discussion that centered on forgiveness. As I sat listening to it, at first I couldn't think of anyone that I needed to forgive, but as the show went on, I began to relate to it.

They talked about being treated unfairly by a boss or coworker, as well as forgiveness of those who have hurt you deeply.

For instance, one of his guests talked about living in the community where the Columbine High School massacre took place in 1999, where twelve students and a teacher were murdered by two 12th graders.

In the conversation, the words of Jesus from the cross were brought up--"Father, forgive them, they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)

"They know not what they do."

It might help us to forgive if we meditate on these words of Jesus and realize that people can act unkindly, or unjustly, and not even know what they are doing. When someone hurts us intentionally, out of sheer meanness, the need to work towards forgiveness is more obvious, but why aren't we forgiving those who don't know what they are doing? Why do we always assume their words or actions were meant to cause us harm?

To imitate Christ and love and forgive as he did, is not easy. We all know (hopefully) that forgiveness doesn't mean allowing someone to continue to hurt you. As they mentioned in their conversation, forgiveness is a work we do that allows us to become free, that allows us to let go of the anger that eats away at us over time.

Sometimes, people really do not know what they are doing when they act irresponsibly or out of their own agenda or convictions. The driving force in them may be their lack of wisdom, or it may come from their own place of hurt.

Regardless, once we meditate on the words of Jesus from the cross, we are brought to a place that requires us to do the hard work that will lead us to forgiveness, and that will bring about healing for us.

I encourage you to look up Chris Stefanick's video on YouTube called "How to Forgive--Struggling to Forgive, Finding Healing" (There are others, but the one I watched was by this title.)

It will be well worth your time. You may even be surprised.

Janet Cassidy
janetcassidy.com
"Like" me on Facebook at:
https://www.facebook.com/reflectionsinfaith/

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