"This is what is meant in the
Bible by loving [your enemy]: wishing his good, not feeling fond of him
nor saying he is nice when he is not… Perhaps it makes it easier if we remember
that that is how He loves us. Not for any nice, attractive qualities we
think we have, but just because we are the things called selves." (page
120)
This quote was the most memorable
quote in the book to me because it wasn’t really some huge and deep and
philosophical excerpt. It was really straightforward and easy to understand. At
the same time, however, it caused me to think a lot about my past and about my
current state, and the resentment I subconsciously feel toward people.
Not only that, but it deals with
what I feel to be the core issues surrounding forgiveness. If forgiveness was
easy, the world would probably be a lot happier place. But forgiveness isn’t
easy, and even when you think you’re “cool” with a person, you never really
forget that time in middle school when you cursed each other out over Facebook.
But that’s the thing about
forgiveness; you don’t really need to forget the situation- you just need to
move on. Initially, that might not be the easiest thing in the world but it
gets a lot easier with time and more often than not you’ll regret reacting the
way you did to the situation.
You don’t have to love the person
that sinned against you. You can try, and if they were close to you before it’ll
probably be a lot easier. Most of time, however, at least in my case, my relationship
is still strained and I’ll act like I’ve totally forgotten about the situation
when in all honestly, I think about it a lot more than I probably should.
I think the most important aspect of
forgiveness that this quote brings to surface is the fact that forgiveness can
be a lot easier if we think about God and how he loves us. As humans, we get
worked up over someone sinning against us; really worked up- even if it only
happens once.
But think about all the times people
sin and go against what God wants for them. More importantly, realize that he already
forgave all of these sins. God doesn’t think we’re good; he knows we aren’t. We
certainly don’t need to be “fond” of those who’ve sinned against us, let alone
think they’re good people. We just need to forgive.
One of the main reasons that I'm glad I'm friends with you is that... you think about things. You don't just accept everything you hear. You have to figure it out and see where YOU stand on things.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I'll never forget some things that people have said to/about me, no matter how hard I try, I don't think I can forget them. But I forgive them for what was said. It's important to remember what happened so we don't fall for the same things twice. You know? You and I both tend to over think things too. It sucks. But it's what we do. I'm glad though, because it's actually a good thing in some cases.
the words "i forgive you" are just... something you say. You can be completely lying about it. It's only when our heart truly forgives them that we can begin to get comforted. And I think that it becomes a lot easier when we think of how God forgives us so easily. So I agree with that point that you have. I really shared the same views on this.
I appreciate that Lewis says forgiveness often has to start with a decision and an action... The emotions of forgiveness often come way later. But it seems: that's okay.
ReplyDeleteI know for me, I tend to have to "purge" the anger before I can fully let it go. It almost always requires me communicating my frustration to the person (hopefully in a careful way)-- only then do I feel ready to move on.
I agree with Leyla; I so appreciate your critical mind and your frank assessment of the way things actually are. I wish some of my younger students understood what you voice here, and could recognize the potential firepower they unleash in their reckless words.
They may not deserve forgiveness-- but then again, neither do we. And I guess, at the end of the day, I find that comforting.
Thanks for this Amy.
15/15
great post. i totally agree it is hard to forgive, but it feels great when we finally choose to do it.
ReplyDeleteVery accurate and inspirational quote. I agree with you on how important forgiveness is in everyday life. I actually chose a section on page 117, which discusses exactly what you are talking about here. I definitely find it almost impossible to move on from difficult situations. Those difficult situations can be anything from a death to actions that people have displayed towards you that wronged you. I know that everyday, you will encounter people that make you feel low and immature. You have to look past them, as you are much better than what they tell you. Like you said, we have to move on. We can't stay stuck on the same problems in our whole lives. The pain and urge for revenge will eat us alive. We can't hate on other people being sinners. Look at each and everyone of us. We are all sinners and we should actually be more disgusted when we look at ourselves than when we look at others. We are filled with greed and we are all conceited.
ReplyDeleteJust as C.S. Lewis said: These other people that have sinned against us may not deserve to be forgiven. However, we are sinners as well. We dont deserve any forgiveness either.
Great job(: