Throughout my life, I have known a handful of people who were seemingly incapable of forgiveness. I found it remarkable as they were also believers who knew well the teachings in Holy Scriptures regarding forgiveness.
Worship in a liturgical church, often incorporates scriptural passages such as the one below, into the liturgy.
I acknowledge my sin unto thee,
and mine iniquity have I not hid.
I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord;
and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah
(Psalm 32:5 | KJV)
I do understand that an injury often leaves a scar. The extent of the wound might leave significant and lifelong scarring. Likewise, some events create memories that haunt us with old sorrows. But injuries and memories can exist at the same time as forgiveness.
Our inability to forgive primarily hurts us. Over time, the failure to forgive someone else may eat us alive, haunting our days and keeping our nights troubled with bad memories.
Forgive others, and ask forgiveness.
Be brave — step out of the boat, turn around, and look to the Lord of Life!
Yes, so true! Forgiving doesn’t mean you’ll forget but the scars will be a witness to the growth obtained through the incident. It’s hard but the thing to do!
Jan, thanks for your comment! The ability to forgive is a blessing that God himself shows us how to do.
I have known as others do , people who are in church every time the doors are open, are even litergal ministers and excuse me but meaner than cat s*** on a white shag rug. I have consulted people in ministry and told them of my concerns , and concluded to overlook them and wish them well when they get to the Pearly Gates.
John, I don’t know if you know this about me, but once upon a time, I went to seminary to become a pastor. I did three years of study (after college) plus an internship in a parish and a summer internship in a hospital. When I was going through the process to be approved for ordination; the committee that met with me had a man talk to me because he said he thought I was too naive about the bad stuff in the church. I gave him two examples, that were extreme cases of wrong behavior — not in the same kind of way that you are talking about — although I’ve known some of them too. But when he heard the two examples I gave — he said that in his 30 plus of ministry — the examples that I gave — that I witnessed, were some of the worst things that had happened in that synod in Ohio. So, I was approved to be ordained. As it turned out — I chose not to proceed — but you are absolutely right. There is indeed some wickedness, even in the church. Those people may get a rude awakening when they are judged. I’m sorry that that happened to you. It is a horrible thing when ministers behave in such fashion. It should never be covered up. Thanks for writing. Ann
This is Mary, on John’s and my blog. I realized when I was 13? I had a terrible time with truly forgiving. I realize there are times when I need to shake the dust off my feet. It can be a difficult call, depending on the situation. Praying 🙏
Needed to read this today. Thanks. Praying for grace to forgive & heal.
GodsGadfly, Mary — thank you for writing. It is painful to watch someone you care about being devoured by the inability to forgive. It can be a difficult call at times — but shaking the dust off your feet is a good start. Thank you for writing. Ann
Island Traveler — I’m glad that you saw my post when you needed to read it! Thank you for letting me know. I trust that grace will come to you. Ann.