Forgiveness

I'm reading for the class we're teaching tomorrow, and I'm thinking about forgiveness.

I think there are those who believe that we must ask for forgiveness in order to receive it, and that conversely, we cannot forgive someone who doesn't ask -- who doesn't show remorse -- who isn't sorry.

Forgiveness and confession are two different things. Separate. And meant to be.

Forgiveness is something we do. It is independent of the sorrow or regret or confession of the other person. If it weren't, then we would never be able to forgive someone who has already died. Or who has hurt us without realizing it. Or who has hurt us and doesn't care about it. The list goes on and on.

When we forgive, we let go of judgment and give it to God, where it belongs. When we forgive, we start to heal. We may not be able to forgive all at once, or easily or without the help and guidance of God, but with God's help, we can forgive, regardless of what the other person does.

It's grace.