Forgiveness is typically defined as the process of concluding resentment, indignation or anger...or ceasing to demand punishment or restitution (here)
Seriously.
Seriously. That's all I can say.
My heart is aching.
Justice screams to be heard from the depths of me.
That may not be a possibility in this situation. Sadly.
Forgiveness isn't about getting someone else to understand you, that's justice.
That's not the word I need spoke over me.
"Forgiveness may be granted without any expectation of restorative justice, and without any response on the part of the offender"
My heart is screaming.
The fellows at Oxford say forgiveness is "'to grant free pardon and to give up all claim on account of an offense or debt'"
Seriously.
I heard once, and believe to be true, that forgiveness is about setting the prisoner free and then realizing you were the prisoner.
"It is forbidden to be obdurate and not allow yourself to be appeased. On the contrary, one should be easily pacified and find it difficult to become angry. When asked by an offender for forgiveness, one should forgive with a sincere mind and a willing spirit. . . forgiveness is natural to the seed of Israel." (Mishneh Torah, Teshuvah 2:10)
Oh my heart. Seriously take heed.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” Matthew 5:7
Mark 11:25 (NIV) “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also.”
I long for it to be easier. But easier isn't necessarily equal to better. Often the contrary.
Do not say, "I'll do to him as he has done to me; I'll pay that man back for what he did." - Proverbs 24:29
"`Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD." - Leviticus 19:18
Let's talk about subversive. Culturally. Even, in heart terms. This is not where my heart goes easily, first or without intention.
This God that I long to fully follow after calls me to hard stuff.
""But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." - Luke 6:27-31, 35-36
Seriously.
I'm praying.
Moment to moment is sometimes what it takes to get through.
Moment to moment.
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