FORGIVE - FORGIVEN - FORGIVENESS

 

Just as there is a big difference between what we say and what we do, there is a major discrepancy between seeking forgiveness and genuinely forgiving others!

Everyone I know has done something (or a number of things) that they now regret doing.

Everyone I have ever had an honest and open discussion with, about having harmed someone in some way, has admitted to some level of remorse and regret. 

"If only I knew then what I know now," is a common sentiment many of us share when revisiting our past misdeeds.

It would seem natural that if we genuinely regret doing and/or saying something we know and understand was wrong -- regardless of the circumstances at the time -- that we would be willing to forgive those who have harmed us in some way -- be it directly or indirectly. Even so, we must admit that we are generally not so inclined to forgive others, in the same manner we desire to be forgiven. Why is that?

It seems totally illogical to want forgiveness from others, yet be inclined to withhold our forgiveness toward those who have harmed us in some way. Does it not? 

How can we reasonably seek forgiveness of others if we are disinclined to be forgiving?

AND... If we understand that "Nobody is Perfect" and "We all make mistakes," then would it not follow that "Forgiven is as Forgiven does" ?!?

NOTE: "Forgiven is as forgiven does" is a phrase that plays on the famous movie line "Stupid is as stupid does" from Forrest Gump, used in sermons and religious messages to mean that true forgiveness is shown through our actions.

It highlights the idea that if a person has received grace and forgiveness, their outward behavior should reflect that same mercy toward others.