Forgiveness

Today I'm pondering something. Forgiveness. It's a concept that is hard for me to embrace or even understand. In my defense, this flaw does come naturally to me and was passed down from my mom. (as I know at least one of my readers can attest to ;) The problem I have is, I saw my mom struggle with her choice to hold grudges just before she passed away. It was clear that she regretted them and made huge strides to make them right before her passing. So this leaves me conflicted. I have her same tendencies to do the same grudge holding, but I desperately don't want to face the sorrow and lost years she did. If there is one thing I know, it's life is short.

This thought left me looking for answers and I found some 'opinions' I guess that I think are a good start.  Yes I googled "forgiveness" and that's where these came from.

Matthew 18:21-22
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.

(forgiveness) It is a choice, a decision we make. However, as we do this "forgiving," we discover the command is in place for our own good, and we receive the reward of our forgiveness—freedom.  - Mary Fairchild

“Sincere forgiveness isn't colored with expectations that the other person apologize or change. Don't worry whether or not they finally understand you. Love them and release them. Life feeds back truth to people in its own way and time.” - Sara Paddison

Any opinions? or better yet advise on how to start?


Promise update - I was nice.

Promise 11- Call someone each day this week that I should talk to more often and tell them how much I love them.

**S**