How do you yourself view forgiveness in light of your religious or spiritual beliefs?

[Pinky]

I can forgive, but will not forget.

 

[Been There]

I don't think so. I think the difficult part is not when YOU forgive, but the other person does.

I totally disagree. The person that was cheated on has a much harder time of letting go than the person (mate) who committed the transgression or betrayal.

 

[DebraMae]

I totally disagree. The person that was cheated on has a much harder time of letting go than the person (mate) who committed the transgression or betrayal.

Not necessarily. It is I think fairly common for someone to do something they regret and carry that guilt for the rest of their life.

 

[Trade]

I've been watching some of these True Crime shows lately and when I see some victim's mother being interviewed and she says she forgives the serial killer who raped and murdered her little girl I'm thinking to myself "What the Hell is wrong with you?" I won't even forgive the actress that killed off one of my favorite characters in the TV show "The Last of Us" .

 

[smiley]

forgiveness is a God given gift - it just needs collecting under the right terms??

 

[LadyEmeraude]

Stress increases my chances of poor physical and mental health, feelings of anger and resentment increase my stress, and by not forgiving others, I hold onto anger and resentment. But I will say, I can forgive, but not necessarily forget.

 

[Warrigal]

I had to learn to forgive myself before I was able to forgive others. Acknowledging my own feet of clay has made me more compassionate of other imperfect people.

 

[smiley]

If God keeps forgiving the whole world does that make it easier?

 

[VaughanJB]

My mother, 90 now!, asked me to be friends with my brother. We don't get along, and I'm convinced we won't ever get along. I admit, at this point, a large part of our not getting on is that I won't forgive his many transgressions. He'd no more ask for forgiveness that I am willing to grant it. Forgiveness on this scale is more than either of us can manage.

I don't sweat it. Should anything happen to my mother, I shall wash my hands of my brother (my father passed some years ago). I realize that the issues between us are foundational. We're very very different people, with different values, and different goals. I have no need or desire to talk to him again.

So sometimes, I see no value in forgiveness. There is a line, and once crossed there truly is no going back. Life isn't Hollywood, so tearful reunions aren't to be expected. The only, minuscule, chance would be if he came to me in full confession mode. But frankly, that isn't going to happen.

 

[smiley]

I think there is also another mode in relationships Vjb - you can be friendly but remain somewhat wary of being duped again - I've tried it a few times [with my younger bro] and it does get easier

 

[smiley]

Some would say that the Holy Trinity has been forgiving humans all the time since time began? maybe they run a shift system or global sharing? I remember reading in the bible that they were always forgiving 'the chosen ones' who despite priestly warning were frequently transgressing the laws?