Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Forgiveness is divine

To err is human; to forgive is divine. At least that’s what poet Alexander Pope said, and I happen to agree with him. He was a smart man indeed. We all make mistakes. We have all hurt someone at one time or another. And we, in turn, have all been hurt. I do not know anyone who has not been wounded by another’s words or actions. It is inevitable. We are all human. But to overcome that, and lay aside one’s pain, resentment and anger is transcendent. Forgiveness is divine.

Forgiveness is a conscious choice, a decision to purge the feelings of resentment. To let go of the desire for revenge. Some people mistake forgiveness as weakness, or being wimpy. A pushover who won’t stand up for themselves. Actually, I find the opposite to be true. Forgiveness takes strength and courage. You have to have a willingness to surrender, a desire for closure. Forgiving someone does not justify or minimize the other person’s actions. It does not make them any less accountable for their deeds. You can forgive the person without forgiving the act. Forgiveness just means you are ready to let go of the bitterness and make room for compassion and kindness. It allows a person to heal in both body and soul. With forgiveness, we can find peace and hope.

Forgiveness may be divine, but it sure as heck isn’t easy. It is after all, a basic human instinct not to forgive. If we forgive, we may be hurt again. So we hang on to these feelings of animosity as a way to keep our guard up. But life is short, and we only get one. A wise woman once said to live your life to the fullest and forgive those who are wrong because tomorrow isn't promised to us. We get one shot in life so don’t let anger or pride ruin your chance at happiness.
I’m just sayin’.




1 comment:

  1. i think forgiveness is always easier to come buy but forgetting is much more difficult

    ReplyDelete