On forgiveness
Nov. 25th, 2009 08:30 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
zeborahThere are two occasions for forgiveness. The first is, when inspired by the request of someone with whom one has quarrelled. The second is, when, for the sake of the blessings it brings the forgiver, one's heart is inspired thereto, without it having been requested.
When someone with whom one has quarrelled requests forgiveness, by such words as, "Forgive me" or, "I beg your pardon", it is good to reply at once in some manner, which grants that pardon requested; or, if one has through anger neglected to reply at once, then to return at some later date to grant it. By this means, if the one to be forgiven has made the request privately, then it should be granted privately; or else, if the one to be forgiven has made the request publically, then it should be granted in the same company, as in which the request was made.
When one's heart is inspired to forgiveness, without it having been requested, then the same rule should apply. That is, having been inspired in one's heart, forgiveness should be granted within one's heart.
If no request has been made, but one expresses forgiveness to the person with whom one has quarrelled, this may be termed fauxgiveness. For it is like as to say "You're welcome" to a person who has neglected to say "Thank you": that is, it arises not from charity, but from a desire to shame another for their want of courtesy. Even Our Lord, who is all-forgiving, does not send His priests to say ego te absolvo to every one in the streets will they nill they, but waits until they enter the confessional and ask for that pardon, which is then freely granted. Therefore one who presumes further even than does Our Lord, is no gentle.
When someone with whom one has quarrelled requests forgiveness, by such words as, "Forgive me" or, "I beg your pardon", it is good to reply at once in some manner, which grants that pardon requested; or, if one has through anger neglected to reply at once, then to return at some later date to grant it. By this means, if the one to be forgiven has made the request privately, then it should be granted privately; or else, if the one to be forgiven has made the request publically, then it should be granted in the same company, as in which the request was made.
When one's heart is inspired to forgiveness, without it having been requested, then the same rule should apply. That is, having been inspired in one's heart, forgiveness should be granted within one's heart.
If no request has been made, but one expresses forgiveness to the person with whom one has quarrelled, this may be termed fauxgiveness. For it is like as to say "You're welcome" to a person who has neglected to say "Thank you": that is, it arises not from charity, but from a desire to shame another for their want of courtesy. Even Our Lord, who is all-forgiving, does not send His priests to say ego te absolvo to every one in the streets will they nill they, but waits until they enter the confessional and ask for that pardon, which is then freely granted. Therefore one who presumes further even than does Our Lord, is no gentle.
