Forgiving Injuries
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, on your part, live at peace with all. Beloved, do not look for revenge but leave room for the wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.’ Rather, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing, you will heap burning coals upon his head.’ Do not be conquered by evil but conquer evil with good” (Romans 12:17-21).
Forgiving others is difficult at times because we do not have God's limitless mercy and compassion, but Jesus teaches us that we should forgive as God forgives, relying on him to help us show others the mercy of God. We best begin by asking the forgiveness of God, and for his mercy in the sacrament of reconciliation. Acknowledging our own gratefulness for the forgiveness and mercy God gives us in Jesus, we find a way to show that same mercy to others. Forrgiveness is a work of God within us, whereby He acts to free us from the poisonous effects of bitterness and grief that often accompany the harm that was inflicted upon us. Clinging to our hurt and anger, understandable though it may be, only harms us. This is what God offers when He gives us the grace to forgive, to let go of the need to change the past, to let go of the desire for others to suffer because of what they have done to us. Receiving the gift to forgive is a mercy for us since we are relieved of these burdens, and our strength and energy can be directed to better places. Below are some suggestions for consideration:
- Let go of a grudge and reach out to a family member or friend from whom you are estranged or a coworker with whom you have trouble collaborating.
- Participate in the sacrament of reconciliation. Pray for forgiveness for the wrongs you may have caused others and pray for those who have wronged you.
- Prayerfully reflect on your own actions. Is there a behavior, such as gossip, that might be causing offense to others? If so, strive to change.
- Work at being less critical. Try to find positive solutions to problems or challenges.
- Saying sorry is something we learn as kids, but how often do we really mean it? Forgiveness transforms hearts and lives.
Stories of Service from our Diocese
Scripture
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do” (Colossians 3:12-13).
“Let the wicked forsake their way, and sinners their thoughts; Let them turn to the LORD to find mercy; to our God, who is generous in forgiving” (Isaiah 55:7).
Bishop Robert Deeley
“Refusing to forgive only hurts ourselves as we are stubbornly resisting to conform to the will of God. By not forgiving we are imprisoned by bitterness. Forgiving is a benefit to the one we are forgiving and ourselves. It is the restoration of our own freedom. “
