From my book, A Healing Rosary, a brief reflection on the virtue of forgiveness associated with The Third Luminous Mystery – The Proclamation of the Kingdom.
Forgiveness is an act of the will, not an emotion. It is a choice made to have mercy on another or on oneself. It is imperative that we forgive in order to receive forgiveness. “If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15)
Forgiveness does not mean we forget the wrongs that have been done to us, but it does mean we let go of the anger, bitterness, hatred, or resentment we carry towards those who have hurt us. “Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32)
Forgiving doesn’t deny the other person’s responsibility, minimize or justify the wrongs done, but it can bring peace, hope and healing. Instead of holding grudges you might find you can have compassion on and understanding towards those who have hurt you.
We must treat ourselves and others as God has treated us. Jesus said, “For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another.” (John 13:15,34)
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