Forgiveness

Forgiveness

To forgive another person from the heart is an act of liberation. We set that person free from the negative bonds that exist between us. We say, "I no longer hold you offense against you." ... We also free ourselves from the burden of being the "offended one." As long as we do not forgive those who have wounded us, we carry them with us or, worse, pull them as a heavy load. The great temptation is to cling in anger to our enemies and then define ourselves as being offended and wounded by them.

Forgiveness, therefore, liberates not only the other but also ourselves

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Luke 6, 33 - 37

Choose one bit of emotional garbage that you are clinging to, get rid of it, and get on with your life. In honor of this act, give a gift to someone else who needs a helping hand.

Henry J.M. Nouwen, Bread for the Journey: A Daybook of Wisdom and Faith