Forgiveness in a non-forgiving world

Every day, especially in America, people are condemned for crimes that they commit or do not commit. We can talk about the big crimes of violence which may make the person end up in prison. However, this article is going to be about forgiving the crimes that do not constitute the legal system getting involved.

We all at one point or another have been wronged by a family member, friend, or stranger. We hold all this bitterness and anger towards the person. Yet, are we being Christ-like by holding on to this bitterness and anger? Throughout the New Testament, we see Jesus saying the person without sin can cast the first stone. No one casts the first stone and the woman is spared.

So then why do we think it is okay to cast the stone to the people who have wronged us? We all make mistakes at times for various reasons. However, the quote that always sticks with me is "No mistake is too small that it can not be consoled. No mistake is too large that it can not be forgiven." If mistakes are not too large why can we not give the person who made the mistake forgiveness. Why can we not console the person who made a small mistake?

Forgiving a person is a difficult thing to do especially when we are hurt really badly by someone. However, by not forgiving a person is it fair to make that person feel even worst because we are too proud or have too much pride to forgive. As Catholics, we have the most fruitful Sacrament of Reconciliation. This has always perplexed me that we ask Christ for forgiveness in the Confessional (which he grants us). Yet, we can be so stubborn to not forgive someone who hurt us. We can be so stubborn that we are willing to stop going to family functions, stop hanging out with groups of friends, or do anything else that may involve the person who wants or needs us to forgive them.

As difficult as it can be at times, we need to humble ourselves and ask others to forgive us for the sins we have committed against them. We all make mistakes and no matter what was the offense committed really that horrible that forgiveness is not an option. The world can be more unforgiving even more so now. However, how would you like to the family member of the person who committed the unforgiving offense? Maybe we not only need to pray for peace in the world, but we need to pray that the people who we faulted accept our forgiveness.

Forgiveness is a powerful tool. It allows us to feel the weight of a million bricks are off our shoulders. It gives us the opportunity to allow people to see Christ in us. May we all learn to truly forgive the offenses of others. Most importantly, may we still be able to see Christ in the people who wronged us and accept the forgiveness.