Commentary on the Gospel of
LORD, HOW MANY TIMES MUST I FORGIVE THE OFFENSES OF MY BROTHER OR SISTER?
Forgiveness is not an emotion. It is not the absence of hurt or anger. Instead it is a decision to treat my offender with respect and charity. But to forgive is also a process. The heart needs to heal and the anger needs to dissipate somewhat before I can decide to be magnanimous toward my offender.
Moreover, to forgive is not only an act of charity toward the other, but also toward myself. The longer I refuse to forgive, the longer I remain miserable. But ultimately, to forgive is God’s grace operating within us
