Forgiveness has never been well defined, nor is it still. It is only through betrayal or violation that the word metamorphoses. “Will you forgive me?” you’re asked, and the trite affirmative retort comes effortlessly. But the real meaning of the word cannot be understood until stripped of something that is rightfully yours, something for which you’ve worked long and hard, something vested, something precious, priceless, that meaning is truly assigned.
The Bible admonishes that we should forgive not once, but seventy times seven. Literally, that is 490 times. But after that, what? Forgiveness is not something that can be calculated. Forgiveness can only take place when the heart and the mind meld. For if the mind oversees the procedure, there is far too much evidence to the contrary. When wronged without justification, unparalleled litigation can be compiled.
The Bible admonishes that we should forgive not once, but seventy times seven. Literally, that is 490 times. But after that, what? Forgiveness is not something that can be calculated. Forgiveness can only take place when the heart and the mind meld. For if the mind oversees the procedure, there is far too much evidence to the contrary. When wronged without justification, unparalleled litigation can be compiled.
Empathy, originating from inside the heart, raises its head from behind the moral rock of justice. The heart understands the internal conflict of good versus evil that plagues mankind in every decisive moment. Desperate people do desperate things. Heart and mind are locked in battle, waging war and vying for supremacy. Yet with each blow there rises an echo from the soul, "Father, forgive them."
From this triad of confliction comes the undeniable question, "Have I ever wronged another? Am I guilty?" Who can rightfully stand in judgment? The only one who claimed to be guiltless was crucified between to convicted thieves. Yet in this unjust scenario it was He who could see beyond egregious faults to desperate needs and plead, “Father, keep in mind, they're blind.” From that perspective, flaunting a noose is calloused.
The illusive concept of forgiveness is better understood when seen in the light of this thought: "Would I rather be the one robbed, or the robber?" Forgiveness is the inner transformation that comes from that flash of insight that proclaims, “I am so blessed to be the accuser and not the accused.” It is the shift in the paradigm that is at the core.
Forgiveness is not overlooking a violation. It is seeing the violation with clarity. True forgiveness comes not because of nobility but because of sight. To forgive is to come to that infinite place of clarity when the consortium of heart, mind and soul announce in unison, “I see”.
From this triad of confliction comes the undeniable question, "Have I ever wronged another? Am I guilty?" Who can rightfully stand in judgment? The only one who claimed to be guiltless was crucified between to convicted thieves. Yet in this unjust scenario it was He who could see beyond egregious faults to desperate needs and plead, “Father, keep in mind, they're blind.” From that perspective, flaunting a noose is calloused.
The illusive concept of forgiveness is better understood when seen in the light of this thought: "Would I rather be the one robbed, or the robber?" Forgiveness is the inner transformation that comes from that flash of insight that proclaims, “I am so blessed to be the accuser and not the accused.” It is the shift in the paradigm that is at the core.
Forgiveness is not overlooking a violation. It is seeing the violation with clarity. True forgiveness comes not because of nobility but because of sight. To forgive is to come to that infinite place of clarity when the consortium of heart, mind and soul announce in unison, “I see”.
--Joan G. Rhoden
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