Howtoforgive1

Week 5 How to Forgive, Part 1

Many good people are convinced that they could never forgive a serious offense, such as rape, armed robbery, child abuse, or murder.

And in a very real sense, they’re right. None of us could hope to forgive such a grave hurt- on our own. But with the grace of God, anything is possible. We can forgive as God forgives, but only through the help God gives.

The first step on any journey of forgiveness is to turn toward God in prayer. We can pray for ourselves, asking for strength, wisdom, patience, perseverance, and the charity required to extend the gift of forgiveness. We can pray also for those who hurt us, asking that they might be blessed and healed, and become more loving and loveable.

It’s also helpful to receive God’s forgiveness when facing the need to forgive another. God wishes to forgive our serious sins in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. And in the Eucharist, God heals our brokenness and wipes away the stain of those daily sins through which we wound ourselves and others.

The old proverb, “You can’t give what you don’t have,” holds true for forgiveness. God longs to give us his grace and forgiveness, that we in turn might share them with our world.

This week, read chapters 11-15 of Forgiveness: A Catholic Approach.

Ask yourself:  How would I see myself differently if I could truly forgive myself for something I am still carrying around?