Howtoforgive2

Week 6 How to Forgive, Part 2

When we’re hurting, it’s easy to “demonize” the person who hurt us, and see them as nothing more than the source of our pain. But that’s not a complete picture of who they are. It’s quite possible that their hurtful actions reflect their own pain. That doesn’t excuse them, but this recognition can make it easier to forgive them.

It’s also helpful to take a good hard look at the situation which led to our hurt. Were our expectations of the other perhaps too high? Was that person reacting to something we did, or did not do? Walking a mile in their shoes is often an essential stage in the forgiveness journey.

Any forgiveness journey may have several stages, none of which are easy. We’ll likely need to express our anger in constructive ways, and mourn what we may have lost. We’ll do well to find a travelling companion- a trusted friend who can encourage us, challenge us, and lead us by the hand. And we’ll need to keep on putting one foot in front of the other, since the forgiveness journey is seldom short.

As we seek to forgive, Jesus doesn’t wish to see us become discouraged or lose hope. When it comes to forgiving, Jesus is our hope, because he always is our help.

This week, read chapters 16-22 of Forgiveness: A Catholic Approach.

Ask yourself: What will life be like when I take the next step on the journey of forgiveness?