Comments on: The Life-Freeing Nature of Forgiveness

By: Colleen

Colleen — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 18:25:46 +0000

really??? if my foot kicks my nose — it hurts!! and yes it will hurt for awhile. my nose does not like my foot !!
Do you really think that if a person rapes or kills someone you love that you believe they are PART of all of us as a whole??? I am confused as to who is this body?? and why believe that we are all part of one body? perhaps this is from the concept that as believers of something together we are all part of one body, as in Christianity. But I refuse to believe that I am part of a whole that does not believe that forgiveness is necessary — otherwise it absolves us from any responsibility for our actions!! we can do anything to the said “body” and no forgiveness is necessary???? that is one beat up body in the end I am thinking.
I believe your comment is far to simplistic for a topic that involves forgiveness beyond gossiping or telling a lie. or forgetting a promise or date. Forgiveness is NOT for the offender it is for healing for the one offended —
I owe myself forgiveness —- my body needs the act of forgiveness— and my body so disconnects myself from evil acts of other humans— I do NOT embrace them as part of MY whole!!
make any sense???
colleen

By: Shailee

Shailee — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 11:59:51 +0000

The exact same question that I wanted to ask!! How does one rid oneself of guilt of having wronged others unintentionally? This is something that really weighs me down and may a times I end up over-compensating.

By: Nicole

Nicole — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 23:18:11 +0000

This was a helpful blog to read. But what if the person that needs forgiveness the most is yourself? What are the steps then. How does one get past the wrongs they have done to others?

By: Laura m.

Laura m. — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 23:36:44 +0000

Best to distance yourself from certain people incl family (former drug/alcohol use, immorality, criminal acts, etc) Don’t hold grudges, just excuse yourself from being available, distance yourself, etc. as trust is gone. See comments to Nat.

By: Laura m.

Laura m. — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 23:32:48 +0000

I have been hurt (and so have others) in several church issues, involving ethics/immorality; other past issues involved gossip and or telling someone in confidence and they tell others without your permission. Forgive them, don’t get revenge, but simply never trust them again. Distance yourself and cut ties is best in the long run. No revenge or retaliation in forgiveness. But trust is unlikely to be regained ever again. Associating with anyone who committed immoral acts (cheating on spouse, etc) or ethics (stealing lying, embezzlement) in the future is just not in your best interests and could damage your reputation. Never tell anyone anything you don’t want leaked out eventually. Cynicism of people in general is bound to happen over time. Keep an emotional barrier with friends in the future. I don’t put confidence in authority figures (clergy, politicians, etc) anymore.

By: donna

donna — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 00:06:12 +0000

I care for my 92 year old mom and try to do a blogradio show as my hobby I think it is important to share thoughts and feelings with others…I dont get the chance to do it nearly as often as I would like but i am posting the link on friendships for you to hear if you would like to…Im getting ready to do another show this coming week…Im actually just finishing it up….it wil be about the joys and pains of being 50. I attended a very sad and unexpected wake of my sons friends mother last week. she was only 58 which prompted that story…..for now I hope you are inspired by this one and would love to hear your comments…
http://tobtr.com/s/1615661

By: Jplent

Jplent — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 03:01:36 +0000

I enjoyed your comment…

By: Jplent

Jplent — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 03:00:12 +0000

It’s time to get serious…

By: donna

donna — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 22:02:40 +0000

its not easy at all….we were hurt by a family member….my first reaction is return evil with evil….it feels good temporarily however I know it is not the right direction to go….especially with family.
thank you for this post….I am going to let it go….I must!!
Ive been writing and thinking about clutter … both emotional and physical…and this is clutter as well….
we will soon be invited to a function and my first reaction was Im not going…Im too hurt…and I have to give these people a gift too….are you kidding me??? but I will go….and I will bring the gift….and I will be the better person…..

i would love for anyone who reads this to please comment on my blog….www.50plusstickingtogether.blogspot.com on clutter…..
lets keep the conversation going…together hopefully we can help each other.

By: Nat

Nat — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 16:55:42 +0000

I got here from the “no tv in the bedroom” post.

I was recently hurt by two friends at a time when I was extremely vulnerable to pain (lost my husband in a tragic car accident in 1/2010). They considered my feelings when making a decision, but figured I would approve/accept without issue the choice they made. It was extremely hurtful. I felt betrayed by one especially.

I’m confused by the concept of being forgiving and yet feeling like there is no more relationship/friendship between me and these people. I don’t feel angry or vengeful toward them, but I don’t want to extend my heart to them any longer. Is that forgiveness?