On myriad occasions we hear of stories relating to forgiveness. An in keeping with the Lenten season I thought it appropriate to genuinely reflect on this theme. What do you do when you have to make a choice of forgiving the offender or reprimanding the action? The crime would also depend on various circumstances and reasons. Many a time legal suits are filed but sometimes a decision also solely rests on the victim to forgive the offence. In cases of repeated offences like atrocities against women, children, labour harassment etc., the judiciary would be involved.
But what do you do when you are offered an opportunity to resolve an issue? How many of us are ready to forgive our offenders and reconcile with them again? It is one of the most humbling of all experiences. It is true that we indeed wait for the perpetrator to ask for forgiveness. It gives us pleasure to see the accused pleading for mercy. But truly it would involve us to take the first step and let the person know that they are forgiven. But then sometimes the offender need not necessarily acknowledge their own wrongdoings out of guilt, pride or the social stigma that would ensue. Will it then frustrate you to forgive such persons? Remember that God sees your heart and overlooks your failures as long as you are humble enough to acknowledge and fight your failures. At times we inflict misfortunes upon ourself and expect another to pay the price. It may offer temporary refuge to the ego but in the long span of time it can inflate and emotionally constipate us.
A person who scornfully guffaws at your merciful nature has not really mastered the art of being humane. It requires mental strength and a relentless effort to strongly have faith in yourself and discern the choices we make. But sadly in today’s world, power overtakes all else and it blinds our ego to the stark realities of life. We have begun chasing the wherewithal requirements much quicker than the pace at which we can acquire integrity.
Faith, feelings or mere incidents can propel us to trigger feelings of hate, lust or vengeance which can overflow into the subconscious and then in turn reflect through our deeds. Humans by nature have the tendency to cling to hatred easily. No wonder people are ready to deny their actions to save themselves from public scrutiny. If our actions are said to speak louder than words then let us be illustrators of forgiveness and empathy to our budding future citizens. The change can be initiated when we develop a strong mindset and learn to be accountable for our actions. Forgiveness allows us to release the hope that the past could be any different as we envisioned it to be. For all you know, if in the present you seem to be holding grudge against someone it could actually serve as a perfect opportunity for you to rise up to the occasion and be merciful. Someone might just be giving you a hard time which could actually benefit you in the long run. Seize the moment and accept what is meant to be. For if we sit around hating people we will never find the time to love them back. Those who wait upon the Lord will have their strength renewed. Stay blessed this Lenten season and may you find sufficient grace to be a giver in God’s infinite love.
