Forgiveness Day

This is a good, thought-provoking topic. It has made me stop for a few moments to think about the concept of forgiveness, and WHY exactly we are encouraged to do so. If there were not a Biblical reason, WHY would we think forgiveness of horrible acts against us is a good thing? Is it really? DOES it do any good for us? Does it encourage contrition in the evil doers, or give them license to commit other evil acts? I struggle with this concept. As a non Christian, I must base my decisions on things other than Biblical references, and this is a very complex issue.

Hi Paula,

There are benefits to forgiveness even as a non-Christian. Forgiving does not say that you are okay with what happened nor that you must then become best buddies with the person you forgive. Forgiveness often does more for the person offering the forgiveness. It is freedom from the event in question - a recognition of what happened and the realization that there is nothing that can be done to change what has happened in the past. No matter what someone does it still do not change the past - though often it can make the present better when repentance, change, and restitution have been made. Forgiveness also does not mean there is not penalty. Sometimes penalties are never paid here on earth, however. Those situations are particularly difficult. Often, though, when you take a step back and look at the situation not as the offended, you will see things in the life of the offenders that lead them to this instance, factors that may or may not have been in their control. It still does not make the offense acceptable, but you can get a different focus on the situation.

There are benefits to forgiveness despite your religious views. Many non-religious people have discussed its benefits. If you cannot relate to the concept in a Christian way, I encourage you to research what others have said on the topic. It all boils down to God knowing what is best for us in the long run, and holding onto hatred, resentment, fear, anger, and all those other related feelings really only hurts ourselves.

Though you are not a Christian, I will pray for you to find peace on this topic. If you want to discuss it further, please feel free to contact me.

You are very sweet... but I don't think peace is eluding me. I honestly think about it in a different light... I am not sure that the concept that forgiveness frees the forgiver is really true. If (and I do really mean "IF") that were the case, that it does not free or really help the one doing the forgiving, then what effect does it have on those who commit evil? Moving on from an injury does not necessarily have to include forgiving the perpetrator. If there is not a connection with a belief in either God or the hereafter, how does forgiveness then fit in to the design of living? It's an interesting puzzle to think about. I will also keep you in my thoughts, and hope things go well with you.

Thanks, Paula.

Good discussion, Monica.

Thank you, Monica. Forgiveness brings forth two- fold benefits, it releases the person who is to be forgiven, and it also releases the person who is holding on to unforgiveness. For me, forgiveness is definitely a two-fold liberator. I further believe all that God requires of us, is for our betterment, whether we understand or not. Besides, His ways are not our ways. He knows all, nothing is hidden. Most of us have not taken the time to really observe the effects of our thoughts upon our bodies. I was in this group until I came down with a disease science had no treatment for, then, I realized it was spiritual, and my thoughts contributed to it. Then, I began to seek understanding. My health became better, and is continuing to improve as I truly let go of unforgiveness from my heart. It is difficult for me to believe that anyone can be well and harbor unforgiveness at the same time. Even science has tapped into this. Perhaps, I will share a post and go deeper into this at a later date. Blessings to all.