Thought of the Day January 26, 2016

By 9:32 AM

"To forgive another person from the heart is an act of liberation. We set that person free from the negative bonds that exist between us. We say, "I no longer hold your offense against you" But there is more. We also free ourselves from the burden of being the "offended one." As long as we do not forgive those who have wounded us, we carry them with us or, worse, pull them as a heavy load. The great temptation is to cling in anger to our enemies and then define ourselves as being offended and wounded by them. Forgiveness, therefore, liberates not only the other but also ourselves. It is the way to the freedom of the children of God." (Henri Nouwen) How often non-forgiveness is at the heart of our wounded self-image, at the heart of our burdens and pain! We embrace the lie from the evil one that we can't forgive the other. In fact, at times we make an internal vow not to forgive. Who then becomes the prisoner? Who then puts a block between us and God? Forgiveness is a choice but it is a response to a grace from God.

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