Forgiveness

The Whole Souul Living Theme for July is Forgiveness, a subject both rich and deep.  Consider this quote from Reinhold Niebuhr:  Nothing that is worth doing can be achieved in our lifetime; therefore we must be saved by hope.  Nothing which is true and beautiful or good makes complete sense in any immediate context of history; therefore we must be saved by faith.  Nothing we do, however virtuous, can be accomplished alone; therefore we are saved by love.  No virtuous act is quite as virtuous from the standpoint of our friend or foe as it is from our standpoint; therefore we must be saved by the final form of love which is forgiveness.

Questions for communal and individual reflection:

• Which is more difficult, forgiving those who have hurt us, or forgiving ourselves for the hurt we have caused to those we love?

• Is there a difference between forgiveness and compassion?  How would you articulate this?

• Why is forgiveness difficult?

• What is the process (or some of the steps) involved in reaching forgiveness?

• Describe how forgiveness or being unable to forgive impacts our lives/relationships/souls.

• How do you know when you’ve reached forgiveness?  What clues or knowledge come to you?  And from where? 

• What are you still hoping to, needing to, longing to forgive?