A Different Forgiveness

We all know what it is like to forgive (or at least we ought to). Going to someone, or having that individual come to you, and practicing forgiveness, is a mandatory spiritual activity.

I am convinced there is a different kind of forgiveness as well. Sometimes there are breaches of friendship, words spoken in haste, slights that hurt, condemnations, anger, misunderstandings, inappropriate commentary, and such like, things that demand forgiveness lest any “root of bitterness” grow.

Often times these kinds of difficulties are never talked about – almost as if, on the part of one or the other, knowledge of the “sin” remains unknown and certainly un-discussed. Still, forgiveness must be distributed, and forgetfulness must follow. It is easy to wait – hope for healing words – but they may never come. So, the forgiveness must be “in us” now. And it must be complete, and choosing to remember the circumstance no more, appropriated.

If that is unclear – you probably have never discovered this “different forgiveness.” And, somewhere deep inside you, there is resentment, bitterness, darkness, and pain.

It’s best to learn about it now. Failure in this matter kills joy and peace.