Part four of Pastor Saїd’s Series on the Lord’s Prayer addressed the topic of forgiveness, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” The words in this prayer are so simple and straightforward, but the act of forgiving is not. It is arguably one of the most profoundly difficult and powerful things we are called to do as Christians.
Through this blog, I’d like to consider and discuss forgiveness from many angles. What are we called to do? What does it mean to forgive? Why are we challenged by our faith to forgive? How do we learn to forgive? What do we give to others when we forgive? What do we gain for ourselves through forgiveness? Is there anything that cannot or should not be forgiven? How do we forgive someone who is not sorry? How does the act of forgiveness strengthen and deepen our faith?
In an earlier discussion with Pastor Saїd about my thoughts on forgiveness, I indicated that I had started to think of forgiveness as the sort of thing that might require a practice. By that, I mean a spiritual practice of forgiveness in the way that some people practice meditation or, in my case, gratitude—quieting my mind each day to focus on the things for which I want to offer thanks. I love the idea of thinking about forgiveness as a practice because it implies that I’ll get better at it with time, patience, and persistence.
I decided to start my exploration of forgiveness in one of my favorite places…the dictionary. I think the following definitions set the tone for how I will approach forgiveness in my own practice and through this blog.
Definitions excerpted from Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary (www.merriam-webster.com):
Through this blog, I’d like to consider and discuss forgiveness from many angles. What are we called to do? What does it mean to forgive? Why are we challenged by our faith to forgive? How do we learn to forgive? What do we give to others when we forgive? What do we gain for ourselves through forgiveness? Is there anything that cannot or should not be forgiven? How do we forgive someone who is not sorry? How does the act of forgiveness strengthen and deepen our faith?
In an earlier discussion with Pastor Saїd about my thoughts on forgiveness, I indicated that I had started to think of forgiveness as the sort of thing that might require a practice. By that, I mean a spiritual practice of forgiveness in the way that some people practice meditation or, in my case, gratitude—quieting my mind each day to focus on the things for which I want to offer thanks. I love the idea of thinking about forgiveness as a practice because it implies that I’ll get better at it with time, patience, and persistence.
I decided to start my exploration of forgiveness in one of my favorite places…the dictionary. I think the following definitions set the tone for how I will approach forgiveness in my own practice and through this blog.
Definitions excerpted from Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary (www.merriam-webster.com):
Forgiveness: To give up resentment of or claim to requital for ; to grant relief from payment of ; to cease to feel resentment against (an offender)
Grace:Unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification; a virtue coming from God; a state of sanctification enjoyed through divine grace;disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency
Practice: To perform or work at repeatedly so as to become proficient;to do or perform often, customarily, or habitually
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