Random thought: Forgiveness
Spawned by AdrianII's America threat and don't ask me why because I don't know that's just how it works.
We often hear about what a great thing it is to forgive, but isn't someone who is able to forgive the most dangerous person to have around, if he can forgive what was done to him he could also forgive what was done to you, and probably in a much shorter timespan. Wouldn't it be better if we all hold on to our grudges, a little bit of hostility for the better of all.
Re: Random thought: Forgiveness
Quote:
Forgiveness is not conditional
This time you beat me to it :2thumbsup: I was going to add that like love it is unconditional, or it isn't what it claims to be.
And I've also considered a bit further - where forgiveness is expressly conveyed to the offender, it can, on occasion, have such an emotional power as to induce far greater remorse and repentance than the punishment received (ie in criminal proceedings). In that respect it can also be transformative for offenders, but this is not and should not be seen as a primary focus. Then we start straying into restorative justice programmes, which is probably a whole new thread.....
Re: Random thought: Forgiveness
Dont they say that: forgive, but dont forget.
Re: Random thought: Forgiveness
A grudge will kill you on the inside. It is much eaiser to forgive and smile. Grudges are simply peolpes egos getting in the way youre a big tough guy if you can hold a grudge but if it was good enough for Jesus it was good enough for me.
I do not find puhnishment and forgivness synonmus 2 different things.
Re: Random thought: Forgiveness
I found it interesting that many of us, including myself think that forgiveness is solely a christian tenet. This is not really the case it seems. (see link).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forgiveness
According to the facts, forgiveness is also a practice of Bhuddism, Islam, Hinduism, and Judaism as well. Does anyone know about Shintoism? Isn't that an offshoot of Bhuddism?
As for my personal view, I try to follow the teachings of Christ. That I miserably fail to attain them at times is true, but having some sort of moral guidline has often led to some surprising results in my relationships. There is nothing like telling one's arch enemy that you forgive him or her, and that you'll be praying for them. It completely blows some folks away sometimes. It's like pulling the rug out from under their anger. Sometimes they will even get a bit more angry at first, but usually leaves them stupified as to how to respond. My favorite example of Christ's attitude toward forgiveness is from his sermon on the mount.
First take the beam out of your own eye, then you'll know how to remove the mote from your nieghbor's (paraphrasing)