Guest Post by Mary Christine
“I shall allow no man to belittle my soul by making me hate him.” – Booker T. Washington
“Watch out that no bitterness takes root among you, for as it springs up it causes deep trouble, hurting many in their spiritual lives.” Heb 12:15 TLB
I ask because I’m struggling with forgiving anyone associated with the mess we are in right now, particularly a friend and some family members. For the purpose of keeping this essay shorter I won’t make a list of all the wrongs we have seen perpetrated by governments, the medical industrial complex, media, and our own friends and family members.
Jesus commanded his followers to forgive. Indeed, The Lords Prayer includes this line “Forgive us as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Any of us who claim to be followers of Jesus must take him seriously when he commands us to forgive. There are parables and instructions throughout the New Testament regarding forgiveness. Most Christians are familiar with the passage in Matt 18:21-35 where Peter asks how many times we should forgive. I wonder what he was thinking when he heard Jesus’s answer? I know what I’m thinking, stay away from someone who sinned against you 77 times, Peter!
I’m far from a Bible scholar and I’m not going to continue on as if this was a Bible study. However, I know I would not be able to forgive anyone without scripture, and the Holy Spirit to guide me. So, I will fall back on some material from past Bible studies.
I think part of the problem we have with forgiving others is we don’t really understand what forgiveness is, and what it is not. Furthermore, just who is the “those” that Jesus is talking about in his prayer?
We know for sure he is talking about personal relationships, our family members, friends, people we know personally, who have hurt us in various ways. Is he also talking about the entities who have perpetrated the ongoing chaos we are dealing with? Some of them have names but we don’t know them personally, others are nameless and faceless. I believe each one of us is only able to forgive personal affronts. But why even forgive anyone? Jesus tells Peter what happens to people who refuse to forgive in the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant. His master had him delivered to the torturers.
What lies behind unforgiveness? Anger, of course. We have a right to be angry with the perpetrators of chaos. We can see the damage it has done worldwide. Anger motivates us to want change. We want them to pay for what they have done. There should be consequences and reparations. How do we go about making this happen? That is a question I cannot answer with any certainty. You see Nuremberg 2.0 mentioned quite often. I would ask how well the first Nuremberg has worked? It concerns me, though, that once something starts, it could go badly, like French Revolution bad.
Those bigger questions will have to be left to someone else. I will just address our personal relationships. We can control whether we will forgive them, or not. Forgiving them could make an immediate difference in our lives, regardless of whether or not they ask for it. Carrying around the baggage of anger and unforgiveness can actually manifest itself physically putting us at increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, impaired immune systems and elevated cortisol.
So, what is forgiveness? I’ll start by stating a few things that it is not.
Forgiveness is not:
- Restoring trust
- Reconciliation may or may not happen.
- A hurtful incident can be remembered for a lifetime.
- Minimizing the offence
- Does not mean the offending person is never rebuked.
- Does not annihilate healthy boundaries.
- Does not mean there are no consequences.
- Overlooking
- Excusing
- Whitewashing
- Understanding
- The offended taking the blame.
The list is not comprehensive but those are the major points. So, what does forgiveness look like?
Forgiveness is taking hold of personal recovery from the infraction; not just waiting for the other to make amends. That allows the offender to be in control of the pain in your heart and life.
Forgiveness is a choice.
You must stop looking for replacement, repayment, or restoration.
Forgiveness means you quit replaying the offense over and over in your head. It also means you give up the “ghost” of the offense and cease dredging up old memories.
Forgiveness is hard work, and it’s costly. For believers, it’s covering the offense and the person with the blood of Christ. It is an act of obedience.
Choosing to forgive usually requires reinforcement.
If the person who offended you is toxic, forgiveness may mean you avoid that person, maybe forever. That would be a consequence the offender would have to live with.
So, what steps need to be taken to help us move towards forgiveness once we have made the choice to forgive?
We need to start by acknowledging the incident(s) by verbalizing or writing it/them down on paper.
Take your pain to the cross and take the other there with you in prayer form.
Remember Jesus’s blood was shed both for our own sins we committed, but also to remit the sins that have been committed against us.
By burying hurt and hate, we bury the possibility of healing that forgiveness offers. We should work towards forgiveness sooner rather than later, because we never know when we will draw our last breath.
I used to use this video when I led forgiveness Bible studies some years ago. It’s 14 minutes long and Rob Bell mostly reiterates what I have already said here. But it’s an excellent illustration for why we should work on this as soon as possible. If you are pressed for time, skip to 11:13 and just watch the last 3 minutes. It’s titled Luggage and shows a lady picking up her luggage at the baggage claim and dragging it with her through the airport to her car while Bell narrates his short teaching on forgiveness. I’m sure you understand what the baggage represents.
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Wouldn’t lose an ounce of sleep over it.
The people so casually calling for our death, loss of jobs and expulsion from society don’t deserve forgiveness. They crossed a line that should never be crossed.
Make no mistake, the next so called pandemic they’ll do the exact same thing with a smile and holding a gun to your face.
I don’t recall a tearful apology from Howard Stern or Jim Cramer for saying the unjabbed should go to jail. I don’t see any signs up at businesses apologizing for their medical apartheid. I don’t see any politicians wrecked with grief over what they did to people’s lives…
Forgiveness? NO. These people exposed themselves as unworthy of it.
“The best revenge is to be unlike him who performed the injury.”
― Marcus Aurelius
Turning the cheek only gets you so far. At some point you have to say enough.
https://newspunch.com/cdc-boss-its-time-to-kill-white-people-who-refuse-vaccines/
That old Jesus saying ‘do unto others as you’d have them do unto you….” crosses my mind atm.🤔😈
Mostly you have to say “enough” because they are NEVER going to stop coming…until you stop them permanently.
Good reply.
Many companies still require the jab for employment or continued testing for those that were granted an exemption. It hasn’t ended.
In our neck of the woods, vaccination of children required for them to join certain sports. F %$# those clubs.
We just got back from a tour of southern schools that have recruited my daughter for their honors programs. None of the schools have a vaccine requirement per se, but a few have requirement in practice. She has chosen to pursue nursing and clinical rotation hours are a requirement for graduation.
One school has no arrangements for unvaccinated students and no intention to pursue that option. This was also the lowest rated of all the programs. Another school only has one facility they can place students and if that refuses they cannot make any promises of an alternative.
And yet another, my favorite, has more requests for students than available students. Only one of their facilities has a vaccine requirement. The rest leave the exemption paperwork up to the school. The administrator said, “It’s not my place to judge your exemption. If you feel you need it I will approve it”
Not to criticize, but really?
I can’t see why anyone would choose to go into medicine today. As we have seen, many in it are authoritarian and cravenly compliant and the good ones with brains and conscience are weeded out and de-certified for it.
Would not choose it myself.
Getting paid to make fun TikTok videos ain’t a bad gig.
She will be coerced to jab. I would discourage nursing as it is not nursing but indoctrination. I have several nieces that are Nurses.
Colleges too.
My daughter went to a RI private college, and it was mandatory vax, she said no, kick me out. They didn’t, and required testing every week. She formed amazing life-long friends over the issue and responses. Kicked off her Sr year sport, which she loved, where she was the captain. She said F-them. She felt bad for her teammates. She graduated and has moved on.
My son is still in a NJ state school, also still required vax. He said no during the height of the BS. He also said, kick me out. They didn’t, also required testing every week, sometimes twice a week. The pressure was intense, he almost caved. He missed one test and they put him in front of a 6 person tribunal with a psychologist, not kidding. He stood his ground, still is, even though the pressure is off. He was also kicked off his sport that he loved, and also said F-them, I’ll start a private club team, which he did.
F all these people. I will not forgive nor forget, and will pay the price at the heavenly gates if need be.
Hate is a cancer that doesn’t grow in the person you hate.
More than a small number of them will be worm.food,.and as far as them.holding a gun to my face, I’m just going to say FAFO
Babylon Bee editor.
Interesting ,Flash.
Joel’s a Homo.
Auntie-And I thought it couldn’t get worse than his proudly announcing he is a “Jew-loving Zionist”.
Just IMHO: you can’t “command forgiveness.” It comes of its own, if it indeed does come. Commanding forgiveness is like having a girlfriend who is always nagging, “Say you love me.” How do you forgive someone who is unrepentant? Forgiveness should be saved, and generously lavished, only on those who see the wrong they did and truly regret their actions. You are dancing alone when you forgive the hard of heart.
Might also add here: there is no use in trying to be a saint about these things. My belief is, it is better to be a perfect soldier than a half-baked saint. I think Thomas Merton said something like that in a much more poetic way. We are here to express the highest and best of ourselves in this moment. That may be a saint, but if so, you won’t need to be commanded to do anything. Like the Taoists teach, you are the best you can be when you are completely unaware of your own goodness.
In the Lord’s Prayer it says ” forgive my trespasses as I forgive those who trespass against me”. There are a lot of things “They” do that are not trespasses against me. That leaves a lot of room to hold them accountable for things they do.
Bill from the Gates of Hell and the WEF/WHO seem to be telling US — actually, threatening US — with another ‘pan(dem)ic’ this spring or summer … and they’re saying it’s going to be much worse, and target the young.
The WHO threatened more than a year ago that we should expect 10 ‘pan(dem)ics’ between then and 2030 …
Not sure how forgiveness fits with complicity to commit genocide? If you were personally harmed by someone over this, have they apologized, compensated you for the harm they caused, promised/vowed to never do it again? Are they going to be on the side of evil the next time this happens (and you know more are planned)? Did they cause you to lose your job? Have they compensated you for your lost wages, home, car, etc.? Did they keep you from seeing a loved one, parent, child, grandchild over this? Were you kept from them when they were passing away? Were there any apologies, gestures at compensation/amends, etc.? How often did they wish that you were dead, in prison, seriously ill, etc. because you would not comply? Do they still wish you death or worse? Have they ever apologized for their misguided hatred? Have they even acknowledged the error of their beliefs, the accuracy of your information/warnings, etc.?
Obviously forgiveness can happen with or without any of these from those who offended you during this period. Forgiveness is not yours to give to those who harmed others. That is for them.
Additionally, people who played an active role in murder/genocide, and who will happily play a role in the next round(s) can be forgiven, but that does not mean that they are allowed to get by without punishment or steps taken to ensure that they can no longer play a role.
Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names.
Or where they or their families live. Thankfully elections help identify them quite easily. They generally put signs out front so all can know.
Thanks CA, that’s the setting of my mind.
A familiar axiom is:
“Forgive, but never forget.”
Just because you have granted absolution in your mind, doesn’t mean the murderous guilty get a pass from retribution.
Just not from me.
Forgiveness doesn’t exclude retribution:
Forgive them but hold them accountable for the wrong that they do. You can forgive a murderer but still put him away or execute him.
Glad you brought up the topic of genocide. The surviving Jews from the slaughter of their co-ethnics did not forgive a thing. They honored those gentiles who helped them. Then, they went about settling the scores and making things right, in their eyes. The Romans 13 robots who look for their “justice” from the Leviathan, will for the most part be sadly disappointed. I speak from experience as a retired Peace Officer. You want to see justice, a good primer would be to read THE GODFATHER. Don’t just watch the movie and its sequels. Bleib ubrig.
Every single one of us was harmed. Some much more than others and via varying methods. Some are all psychological harm. I believe, long term for society, the mentally harmed present much more potential for, shall we say, “Blowback”.
All Americans, minimally (I am unfamiliar with education curriculum in other countries) learned about spotting tyranny in elementary, grade and high school. How tyranny works, what it looks like, how jingoism is used, and 50 other simple ways to spot a Political Bullshitting Tyrant Wannabe…
Throw in like 50 movies too – Had NO ONE else seen and understood The Bridge on The River Kwai, for example? Star Wars? Schindlers List (Camps Suck is the point – not veracity of 6M, etc.).
People fell apart under the fear megaphone, and like 70% went full fucking tyrant retard, anyway.
How come we didn’t? That question bothers me because it shines a light on the potential for me to go full retard if just the right buttons are pushed…OR NOT. Will Power – the simple desire to tell anyone claiming they can lord shit over you to, “fuck right off!”, probably goes a long way. A lot of that is learned and not many learn it anymore. (those who have seem to congregate at places like TBP).
On Forgiveness…
“I Forgive You”, I stated in a calm collective voice as I pressed the button that engaged the Lethal Injection machine for 10 traitors.
“I Forgive You”, I stated as I pulled the lever that dropped the floor on 10 traitors with a rope around their necks.
Forgiveness & Accountability are mutually INCLUSIVE.
They tried to pull the biggest con ever in the history of the planet. They got caught.
Now, they should be executed for Crimes Against Humanity. NO HUMANS that are that evil can remain among those that are not.
Change that part of the cycle, and there is no more cycle called The Weal.
“How come we didn’t?”-
Because we still have the ability to communicate with one another. Sharing of ideas leading to resistance in some form or another will become a lot more difficult when “they” isolate us by removing the ability to communicate. When that happens they will no longer need propaganda.
Communication? I disagree.
Many people called BS from Day One.
I think it’s just a saving throw or will-check.
It’s really Save Vs. Fear.
You need a high Intelligence and Wisdom score if you want to save vs. fear – be it Dragon or Megaphone inspired.
70% failed their saving throw due to below average rolls for Intelligence and Wisdom (below 10 and you start getting penalties on your saving throws!).
Some things are just not forgivable. Jesus doesn’t love everyone. God hates lots of things.
Just tired of all the “Jesus loves you” dogma. Jesus hates a lot of stuff. Read the bible if you don’t believe me.
I’m all for healthy relationships and all. But. Again, some things go beyond even God’s capacity to forgive.
In my opinion, Hell has recently filled up. I don’t know how else to explain the explosion of evil across the world.
Just a theory…
” Jesus hates a lot of stuff. Read the bible if you don’t believe me.”
You actually have never read the bible, have you?
” I don’t know how else to explain the explosion of evil across the world.”
“Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time“.
To be honest with you, I haven’t read the whole thing. But- obviously- I’ve read some of the parts you havent, bub.
Really sick of all this new-agey, feel good glop that seems to now cut across all belief systems that (in a nutshell) says that God is love. Or, similarly, this love conquers all type shit. That blasphemous, hippie dippie nonsense is half the reason why modernity is so fcked. Such an effeminate, touchy-feely, braindead approach to faith.
Yknow… you reach a point in your extremely intense love/appreciation of God, and everything else, that you realize- when the power of evil is so overwhelming, everywhere- that at times, it is acceptable to oppose evil. To hate evil.
I don’t like evil shit. I’m not fond of the Devil, his minions, or his works. I fight them. On sight. All day. All night.
Cry about it, demon.
Been sleepin’ in the rain lately, Don QuicksOatey?
“But- obviously- I’ve read some of the parts you havent, bub.”
Do my critics EVER have anything useful to add to the discussion? Scary ass no name lames.
For once, please…
Lol. I really shouldnt laugh… Youre probably like 12. Tell ur single mom i said hi!
Does she have paypal or venmo
“Do my critics EVER have anything useful to add…?”
Don’t wanna be smarmy. 🤣 I WAS You. Once upon a time.
As of a few minutes ago, i replied to Your ‘Selective’ reading of the “Not even in the Old Testament” think it was?
But my memory is suspect.
HSF was the last poster @ the time, he was tryin’ ta provide You with some gentle guidance/direction. Too.
Just above Him and i think it was the Authoress (is that even a real word?) of this piece. Did i mention my memory issues?
Alas, if so.
Time for forgiveness, about now?
I have read it, more than once, and yes Jesus hates lots of things AND lots of ‘people’.
Its right there in black and white.
The text of the ‘forgiveness’ in the original article is discussing interpersonal relationships; nowhere are we told to forgive the mortal enemies of ourselves, our God, our people or our country. Read the whole Bible, it becomes fairly clear.
Oh, and as an aside, we note that the question says ‘if a brother offend…” This tells us that this applies to a ‘brother’ – either racial kinsmen or fellow Christian – and not necessarily to others…
Why must you make me kick my own ass?
Idk where I was going with that. I almost died at my job last night. Pumping gas. A slave to my white collar? I’d die for it too. I’m stupid. If I do die soon. I’m sorry, and I forgive all you spineless swine. I just feel it coming. Peace
“the baggage of anger and unforgiveness” is lessened when those who have trespassed upon us are brought to answer to justice in this world. And the next.
I can forgive Trump for endorsing the vaccine as he is a germaphobe and was played by fauci and company. I cannot forgive fauci, ever, for being a criminal directly responsible for the deaths of untold hundreds or thousands of people.
I can forgive and reconcile with those who are not vile and evil in heart. I cannot and will not forgive or forget what the criminals in this country have done to America and the American people. And if justice, Early French style or Nuremberg style is what it takes to remove the evil, let the trials begin.
The lesson of forgiveness that is my best recollection from the Holy Bible, and I think appropriate for the transgressions of our time, is that of Samson.
Bring the fucker down!!!!
Forgiveness in the case of the scamdemic/false wars/corrupt govt. and their followers is perhaps god’s job,but……,not mine.
The perpetrators and their followers are my enemy,they wanted/want me dead,fuck em.
“Forgive” is not in my vocabulary when it comes to planned, forced death and destruction against innocents.
Why ask for forgiveness? Will you still ask us to forgive when you have also lost it all? There could be far more destruction to this plan than the initial stages that you have witnessed….. a lot more.
Those responsible really don’t care about our forgiveness, they just don’t want to become the hunted.
Forgiveness is not for them, but for your own benefit.
I don’t need a benefit that bad. And yes, it is for their benefit before they are hunted down like dogs.
“Forgiveness means you quit replaying the offense over and over in your head. It also means you give up the “ghost” of the offense and cease dredging up old memories.”
I think this is the crux of the issue with what folks are having an issue with. Seems Christianity gets a bad rap cause we are supposed to forgive and turn the other cheek. Well, sometimes this is not in the best interests for society at large. Obviously, now is time to sell the cloak and by that dagger.
Yeah, they need to hunted, drug from their homes and strung up on the nearest lamppost. Left there for the vultures to pick the bones, then the bones be wind chimes and a reminder to all never to try this shit again.
Matthew 18:6. Enough children have been hurt by this and abortion.
There are not enough lampposts. Maybe the millstones would be better.
Mostly true in this situation. Treat it more like an intense yet ethical negotiation with a resourceful opponent. Not that they will roll over and be the mark to your con, but to satisfy yourself that you have been as fair as the situation justifies-your call. “The ends justify the means” may be appropriate; if so, do it. If done successfully then forgiveness-if at all-becomes a personal matter to be dealt with later on without remorse.
Proverbs 6:
16: These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him:
17: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,
18: An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief,
19: A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.
20: My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother:
21: Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck.
22: When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee.
23: For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:
Forgive? Are you nuts? These people have no shame about their behavior. They just want to sweep it under the carpet. Eff that.
They are waiting and eager to do it again. Harder.
Evil forgiven is evil perpetuated.
Thanks Mary Christine, fine contribution.
Not forgiving weighs on your own soul/psyche.
Be good to yourself. Forgive.
Bindy- How many times are you willing to forgive? These are serial offenders , can you keep forgiving into infinity? Does it ever stop?
Will there ever be a time free from their GREED? Soulless beings will never stop Bindy, it is their nature to destroy. We cannot continue to be fodder and forgive those who sacrifice us to their god.
Hi BL.
Forgiving doesn’t mean not making them pay their debt. I’ll forgive and still insist on their day in court. I’ll just not rot my own soul with resentment.
I need forgiveness from God. How can I not forgive and still expect it for me?
You last sentence was Gold.
I do believe it possible to forgive and then deal with the situation as Dirty Harry often did. Showing “them” two can play their game.
I swear I upvoted….Honest
I downvoted for you Eddie. LOL
Forgive? Not a chance in hell.
Ahh…the “F” word. Forgiveness is hard. I’ve found that with especially deep wounds, that I have to practice forgiveness many times. Forgiveness isn’t easy, and I don’t think it’s part of our inherit nature to do so, which is why I keep having to do it over and over again.
Keep in mind that God forgives us of our transgressions no matter how hurtful those acts may have been. Carrying around the anger and frustration of the last few years only hurts you. Releasing that anger and hurt will free you to live a more joyful life.
Hang in there, I’ll be praying for you (and everyone else) that has been trampled by the system.
God forgives, but you have to first acknowledge and confess your sins, ask for mercy, and do penance.
None of that is happening with anyone involved with covid.
Being Christian doesn’t equate to being a doormat.
I’m of this mindset also, but this is a tough topic.
There are a few others that are equally catchy.
We are told not to be “judgmental” however we are also told to discern and judge right/wrong. Non-christians love to throw the “judge not lest ye be judged” line at Christians but I’m not sure that was what the verse meant when a Christian sees evil/sin/perversion and calls it such.
In a court the jury determines guilt or whether the accused is guilty of the wrong (us)– the judge, in the end, adjudicates and judges/sentences the convicted. (God)
Jesus did not disagree with the mob that the woman with the 7 husbands was guilty and shameful in behavior but stopped the stoning by the people as a judgment. For example, I believe we are not being “judgmental” when we call a transvestite or homo revolting (they are a perversion of God’s design) but I wouldn’t want them all hanged. If we truly cared and had compassion for these reprobate minded folks we would pray and hope for their redemption ( and for some psychological help.)
I hold no hatred toward these evil, deceived phuks. Maybe that is forgiveness? However I do hope that Truth is revealed and punishment and consequences ensue for their crimes God can judge them, I just want swift and unflinching justice– the toadies that ran their mouths and went along with the mini-tyrants can just be ridiculed and mocked as their punishment.
Personally, I don’t need to forgive and harbor no anger. From the get go I was a fighter. No masks , public fights, NPC ing signs, ripping down signs in front of people. Fights in supper markets, public transportation and so forth.
I think fighting liberated me.
It seems the people who won’t forgive and harbor anger are those who never put up a fight. Let Jesus do it types.
The fight can be therapeutic; helps clear the mind and makes you even more self reliant. When the opponent is smart then it is up to you to outsmart them.
You can forgive, without forgetting, and be forewarned against these people next time. To forgive means you let go of the chain of smoldering resentments you have, because the people that wronged you have no idea how you feel, and they wouldn’t care if they did know. What forgiveness does is it allows you to drop the ball and chain of anger and stress you are carrying around with you because of these folks. Living well is truly the best revenge.
Smashing the opposition sometimes helps with the revenge thing.
Thank you Mary Christine.
The Lord’s Prayer is always soothing for me, except for the ” as We forgive those who have trespassed against Us”.
Not that I don’t want to be forgiving, but there is that catch in that statement that tells me to expect as much forgiveness as I’m willing to fork over myself.
Indeed it is not an easy thing.
Then REVENGE it is!
No, God claims that for Himself.
Again, it ain’t easy.
In the KJV: Mat 6:12
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
and
Luk 11:4
And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
Makes you wonder if the bankers had something to do with changing the wording….debt and trespass are different words. Can’t have a banker forgive a debt, but he might forgive a trespass.
Very thoughtful words MC. I’d like you to rest assured knowing that your salvation is not dependent upon your forgiveness of others. Your salvation is 100% dependent upon your trust in Christs shed blood as sufficient payment for your own sin debt.
Colossians 2:13 KJB… “And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;”
Towards the repentant man does Christ via Paul tell us…
2 Corinthians 2:7 KJB… “So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.”
…we ought to forgive him. Keywords repentant and ought.
Grace and peace.
Well, there is also this:
“If you forgive others their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.” Matt 6: 14-15
and “whoever thinks he is standing secure should take care not to fall.” 1Cor 10:12
Fortunately and praise Jesus; He was not speaking to us when He uttered those words!
He was speaking to those who were about to be baptized WITH the Holy Spirit and given supernatural abilities far beyond any we have today!
What is wrong with you? If you are going to customize your theology, then keep it to yourself.
Says Ken31 on TBP… 😆
Huh?
Who here would prefer to live life under such severely conditional circumstances? Have any of you read the beatitudes and imagined them taken literally? Because they are literal.
Matthew 6:25-26 KJB… “Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?”
Is this your honest attitude towards life? Or, like me and the majority of people, do you have to work to earn a living? God will care for this group as He cared for their ancestors when they wandered the desert for 40 years. He is not caring for people in this way today. And please don’t say; “God gave me the job and the ability to do it.” No, you did that! You work your ass off and you know it.
Matthew 5:29-30 KJB… “And if thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off, and cast it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members should perish, and not that thy whole body should be cast into hell.”
Any blind here? Handless? Or, are your eyes spotless, your hands completely innocent? These are (earthly) Kingdom Conditions! Jesus wasn’t fooling. These particular believers have a specific function.
1 Peter 2:9-10 KJB… “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.”
Is this you? Honestly? It surely isn’t me!
All glory goes to God, heretic.
All glory does go to God. Looks like confusion will be your epitaph.
You have a very friendly username.
Good for you.
By the downvote count we have seven members of a royal Jewish priesthood here. Whodathunkit… (((them))) on TBP!
I’m not an angry person, or one capable of holding a grudge (that may be to my detriment)
however, I was not tricked into jabbing/murdering my children
all bets are off then
In my whole life, I’ve rarely ever hated anybody. And in the few cases I did, that passed after 3-9 months.
Losing my respect, ignoring them, disliking even – yes, that unfortunately has now become commonplace for me, towards [Western] people.
So maybe because of that, I don’t see a need to forgive.
And forgiveness requires a certain action by the sinner first.
Kind of like a week when the mailman shows up only once and the mailbox is stuffed. You sort out your mail and put it into different piles to deal with later-everything from junk mail to a refund check. IOW, you compartmentalize your choices and move forward. In the era of Covid the solution is highly personal; done correctly there is no need for second guessing. Sounds like for some forgiveness is optional; cannot quibble with that one bit. Likewise, other resourceful solutions can be effective.
What a thought-provoking post Mary Christine – thanks for this!!
My reply would be a post in itself, so I will save us all from that.
A zillion years ago now the Lord took hold of me with his Love. I realized at that time that I didn’t know how to love and asked Him to show me how to love. At the end of about 2 years I was exhausted by the number of people in and around me that were horrible to me, even though I carried on because the Love of the Lord will carry you – but I did get a bit exasperated and said to the Lord – I prayed for you to show me how to Love and all I got were these lousy idiots constantly attacking me 24/7 – to which I clearly saw/heard what profit is it when you love those who love you – ARGGGGGGGGHHHHHHH – silly me – but at least I didn’t pray for patience……….
So over the past 40+ years since that prayer the enemies have increased – BUT – I have been changed……..
I have no love of my own to give that isn’t selfish, me, myself, and I preserving – and though I know and experience His love flowing through me – when those moments hit me it is quite undoing.
As far as forgiving, forgiveness – another one of those spiritual learning lessons. I still have a hard time with forgiveness but it gets easier and easier, faster and faster – so I can move on to more important things – and if I were to add anything to your list – personally, I forgive because it is a command, and one time it hit me that when a person is unforgiving – especially if a professing Christian – the most egregious thing about it is that you elevate your self over the God who gave it all – we have got nothing coming and to walk around with the attitude that I have been i.e. robbed, beaten, insulted, fill in the blank – beyond the God/Jesus/Holy Spirit and He forgave but I’m above that – yeah, no – and He also says if I want to come to the throne and ask for His forgiveness, I had better be giving it back out.
All that forgiving a zillion times a zillion – prolly gonna happen – especially in these dark days.
What comforts me and helps to defuse the – I wanna be in charge of the lighting bolts NOW!!! – is that I know God is perfect and His plan and end of story is going to be perfectly executed and done someday and the present trials of this world will pass in the light of heavens glory – the best is yet to come.
If ya’ll thinking I’m a pollyanna or naive – don’t make me relate to you just the short list I’ve handed over to Jesus.
There is also how rich a person wants to have their eternal life – it’s called eternal rewards – I have no clue what rewards Jesus will be handing out for how many times a person forgives but He is the one that said to work for it – laying up for yourself treasure in heaven.
It’s a process and I have my days – Thank You Mary Christine for triggering and reinforcing the lessons learned.
A lot I could say on this, but I don’t want to write a book a I’ll leave it at this:
Repentance is necessary even for you to receive Christ’s forgiveness.
Do you think He commanded you to do what even He will not?
Without repentance there is no forgiveness.
P.S. Excellent and thoughtful post, Mary Christine.
Mary Christine
Curious … are these people asking for forgiveness or is it purely a question for yourself?
It’s just for myself, attrition. As for the named and nameless entities, I hate what they have done to us and I want justice in our time knowing full well that it’s highly unlikely. So I’m left trusting God to handle that justice which will be far worse than anything I can dream up.
Yes ma’am.
MC, got time for a minor, stylistic quibble? Eliminate as many double negatives in your writing and some of us will better be able to absorb the true meanings of your heartfelt messages. (Yes, Mom was an English teacher).
It’s Here! Thank you Mary! This is a great read. I am going to have to read it again tonight. And I’ll watch the full video. I think our convo the other day, helped me not necessarily change but to understand what to do with “anger”. I think I was already “forgiving”. But not lowering my anger. Peeps I’m angry with but have already disassociated with, won’t be given an “I forgive you”. It is not needed as they and I have already agreed to go separate ways. That is a forgiveness to me, and I can let the anger go with them. Thanks Mary.
PS: You should write more articles. It was a very nice read. 🙂
Thanks, Babble. This was easy to write as I could fall back on some material I already had. Writing from scratch like Admin does is a huge chore and wears me out. I have written several essays for TBP in the past but it’s been over 2 years since I submitted a new one.
Anger is a whole nuther essay. Actually, entire books have been written about anger. It’s out of my league and something we have to take to God in prayer.
Btw, I don’t agree with everything Bell says in his video which is why I recommended just watching the last 3 minutes. Bell became highly controversial after becoming a “woke” Christian in the early 2000’s. The video dates back to the 90’s.
We still remember your first essay-that one took guts-always look forward to your posts.
Well Mary. I don’t know what you put in your article, but today was a very relaxing day. I don’t want to say at peace, but I’ve never been more content. Really. I strive for content, truly. But after sleeping on your words, I’ve reached it. Thank You again for a new level of content 🙂
I’m willing to forgive but I need reparations first.
Don’t hold yer breath.
We know that God forgives us, but repentance is required. I think the same applies here, and what they are asking for is absolution, and acceptance without repentance.
NO
So all the people responsible for the evil being thrust upon us get to skate if they repent on their deathbed? Even if they REALLY, REALLY, mean it?
Yeah…….that seems reasonable……….
God gives us an out even on Our deathbed.
Courageous submission to pen, MC.
Like faith and belief, a willingness to forgive will be mocked by many. No way!
So it too, becomes a personal decision (like you said, a choice) for each of us.
You cite many good examples of why it should be a goal to strive for.
For Christians, because that’s what He tried to instill in us.
But, too, for others, of any or no religious denominations.
Numerous wise people through the ages have expounded on its merits.
Many from personal experience, no doubt.
It’s VERY difficult, in practice. Nigh impossible for most.
For some, carrying around that anger is detrimental to health more than they realize.
Mental, emotional, and yes, it can, and does manifest itself in physical effects.
In His infinite wisdom, which many mere mortals cannot comprehend, He told us to.
For me, which side of the fence I land on, is dependent on my frame of mind when the idea is thought about.
In a good frame of mind, I’m more open to at least considering the benefits to me, to try and let it go. Doesn’t mean I forget. It’s just releasing the angst that comes with holding onto the anger and hatred, as something that is better than always replaying it.
In a bad frame of mind, it’s almost as if the devil pops up on my shoulder, like the scene in Animal House, to remind me, and quite often, as he is trying to sway me into deciding the anger is valid, and ought to be backed by hatred, and is is foolish to even consider forgiving.
Something happened. We were treated horribly.
Can it be changed? No.
We can be pissed about it as much as we want, about the strong belief that we didn’t
deserve it, it’s wrong, and unforgivable. And yet here we are. It has been done.
Grant me the serenity, and all that. Accept that it happened, though it was wrong usually.
Change the things we can? Yes, with practice, study, faith, etc. Still…difficult.
We can change our reaction to it. Again, choosing how to LET it affect us.
It’s at the core of the whole politically correct, victim mentality, reparations demanding,
feeling unsafe in my safe space movement of mass hysteria. I’m offended.
Why?
Well, this person / group / did this to me, and I want justice.
In reality, they may have done some serious harm. Hence, the claim is valid.
Deciding how you react to the harm received is probably one of the supreme tests.
I remember reading about a person who forgave a convict who murdered the person’s family member. I’d say 99% of the people who suffered the same injustice could never possibly forgive the convict, for who / what they took from them.
For me, especially if the victim was a child in my circle of family and friends.
I’d want justice. Immediate, unmerciful justice. It’s the way humans are wired.
Yet it cannot be undone, and that kind of bitter anger destroys people.
Hence, Christ’s admonitions. He said let the Father handle the vengeance.
You don’t punish the offender with your anger. We punish ourselves, whether we admit that or not.
The Shack book, and movie to some extent, covers this topic well.
In one scene, Mac is forced to visit Wisdom, who has taken human form.
Mac can’t reconcile w/ forgiveness of an unknown murderer, so he hates God,
for letting the perp get away with kidnapping, raping, murdering his daughter, and hiding the body. No closure.
Wisdom asks Mac, that if he’s so good at judging, placing blame with hatred, to pick which of his older kids are to blame for the younger daughter’s death, as both of the older siblings were horsing around innocently on a lake, when a problem arose, required a rescue, thereby distracting parental vigilance and protection for the youngest, the victim.
(not the only victim, by the way)
Mac says he can’t blame the older siblings; he loves them both way too much,
even though their relationship is terribly strained since the tragedy occurred.
Mac says to Wisdom: “Don’t punish either one of them. Take me instead. I’ll pay for their ”sin”, if one of them is to be blamed, punished, and unforgiven.
Wisdom tells Mac: “Now you have a better understanding perhaps, of how God operates.
He won’t always condemn and punish perpetrators who cause pain to others, for us to see and get the justice we demand. And, He gave us His only Son, who was mocked, ridiculed, spat upon, beaten, flogged, and crucified.
“Forgive them Father; they know not what they do.” His dying words.
And that’s just one scene. That book will rock you, with all your perceptions about what you think God is all about, what he / she looks like, what Jesus offers us, and more.
Many people just can’t wrap their head around it. It goes deep, but is something to consider, if so inclined.
So, too, many other authors who have penned books about how to improve our lives touch on this topic.
I don’t have all the answers either. And we are living in a fallen world, full of some dark, evil people who are doing some mean, vindictive and horrific things to their fellow man.
It’s one of the primary reasons that I, having who knows how many years left on this plane, have been trying harder than ever to get right with God.
In my mind, there has to be someplace better than this.
Maybe there, we will be shown greater understanding, to the Why and How we battle.
Or maybe, we will enter that place, with no prior knowledge of the pain and anger we felt in this world, that He told us He is not from.
“You will have trouble in this world. But, take heart. I am not of this world.”
Either way, for some, it behooves us to try and come to grips with it, as best we know how. And always, we will have our critics. To each their own, ultimately.
Oh. And not losing sleep over it, is a form of letting it not shackle us. Letting go.
~Hip check.
Suds- Do you really think if Christ was faced with creatures so vile as to try to depopulate the planet and then inherit all the wealth would be on the forgiveness list, it doesn’t get any worse than that? What do you have to do to be the ultimate bad guy that doesn’t need your forgiveness but retribution? There aren’t too many evil deeds that can top that and even Christ would have a line in the sand somewhere?
If Christ had no line in the sand, then who’s side would he be on? This is not acceptable to me, a dead so huge in scope and evil.
Bea, I’m not saying everybody should be forgiven, regardless their infraction.
And I plainly stated I don’t have all the answers.
I leave that to a power much higher than me based upon what I read and study.
Just put my 2 cents in thoughts down as a comment. It’s a struggle. Constant.
Are you going to hash it out with everyone here who doesn’t think as you do?
To convince them their argument or thoughts are flawed? So be it.
I’ve been wrong in some people’s eyes before.
Not the first time; won’t be the last.
In the end, to each his own, brother.
-best,
Which is why I left those questions unanswered and only dealt with personal relationships.
A personal affront by a person to us is ALWAYS forgivable. Killing off humanity…. not so much. They overreached on a biblical scale Mary.
I have neglected to proof read several times today (deed not dead). 🙂
BL, I have read TBP and trolled the comments section for years but have never jumped in before today so please be gentle. 🙂 Like others have said, including the author of this post on forgiveness, it is not my intention to write a lengthy Bible study, but I would like to reply to your thoughts with a little background from the Bible that is hopefully equally thoughtful and perhaps encouraging.
Jesus came to earth the first time to offer forgiveness for sin and reconciliation with God the Father and He did so on the cross. Before the cross He faced down satan himself, the one who is behind all of the evil taking place, during the 40 days in the desert when satan tempted Him to accept the pleasures of the world that satan offered Him in exchange for going to the cross.
Later Jesus was hanging on the cross after being beaten far beyond what most human beings could survive, dying a slow, painful and humiliating death, and while doing so He asked the Father to forgive those who had done all of this to Him because they did not know what they were doing.
While suffering on the cross physically He was suffering something much worse-the full, just and righteous punishment from God for all of the sin that had ever been committed or would ever be committed, and He went through this apart from the presence of God that He had always known, which is why He screamed out at one point, “My God, My God why are you forsaking Me?” Surely Jesus knew why but the agony and pain of it all was unbearable. This was the punishment that each of us deserves but Jesus took it in our place. Jesus made this incredible sacrifice so that anyone who accepts Jesus and what He did on the cross could be forgiven and reconciled to the Father with the promise of having eternal life in His presence.
As horrible as the things are that are being done by TPTB I would submit that Jesus faced far more and far worse, and yet He still chose to forgive; making forgiveness possible was His mission. We have our lifetime to choose whom we will follow and whether or not to receive by faith the forgiveness that was paid for by Jesus on the cross with His blood.
This is the one line-everyone who dies without believing in Jesus isn’t forgiven, can’t be forgiven, because they have rejected the forgiveness that was offered to them. Jesus came the first time not to condemn the world but to save it. When Jesus comes the second time it will be to deliver justice, and it will be done swiftly and in full measure.
There is much more that could be said but I’ll leave it here hoping this is enough.
Note Jesus asked the Father to forgive those that ‘knew not what they were doing’ – he did NOT say to forgive those that DID know what they were doing and were behind the conspiracy to murder Him.
Big difference…
GPH- Thank you for your comment. I am well versed in the Good Book, mine are not the rants of a heathen. Be advised that this is the tail end of a psyop at which point the erasure process begins. The first step we are seeing is to send operatives to push forgiveness accompanied by a chorus of bible thumping agents of the “WORD”. This process will go on until the memory of humanity is skillfully wiped clean and in this case , the “Covid Pandemic” was the ONLY reason millions died or were maimed.
GPH-, IF you let that erasure happen, there will be no limit to the evil that will beset humankind. Do you want that? Are you willing to be party to that whitewash? Are you willing to give up everything you worked hard for? Make that decision NOW, your future and the future of those you love depend on how humanity reacts to this evil that was planned long ago and willingly carried out by those who have no other use for you than to strip you of everything.
Luke2236 (above) is correct, THEY KNEW EXACTLY WHAT THEY WERE DOING. I find it hard to believe Jesus would keep humanity in a meat grinder killing machine that has no other purpose than to enrich a very small group of satanic worshipers. You state Jesus faced down Satan, so should you.
Asking the goy to forgive these creatures is not only insulting, it is a an invite to take a dirt bath for our weakness.
Hi BL, my apologies if I responded as if you were (a) ranting or (b) a heathen as I thought neither. I guess I get carried away when I think about what Jesus did on the cross and I thank you for putting my attention there once again. That was the entire focus of my response, I didn’t intend to delve into the specifics of forgiveness applied directly to the the evil being done using a flu bug branded and marketed as Covid.
I have no illusions about this whole Covid thing being an evil psyop and that there are many who are unrepentant and therefore deserving of punishment for their part in it. I, like most of us here, would like to see justice served so I am not interested in whitewashing anything. Justice is just as biblical as forgiveness; consequences too-we reap what we sow the Bible says. Those who have sown evil will eventually reap the same.
Maybe I’ve missed the part about anybody asking for forgiveness over this. I recall one story in the Atlantic a few weeks/months ago but as I recall that seemed more like “can’t we just sort of pretend it didn’t happen and move on” as opposed to someone truly seeking forgiveness.
Thank you so much for your passion and thoughtful comments BL, I’ve enjoyed the exchange.
You’re not the only one.
All of the “they” knew what they were doing to Him in the physical sense, all were guilty in that regard. None of them knew what they were doing in the spiritual sense, meaning they did not recognize the man they were murdering as the Son of God as evidenced by them saying afterwards at the foot of the cross “surely he was the son of God”.
GPH- We have to be on our toes in this old world, at all times. Always vigilant for the inward/outward meaning and information drop. If there is a plea to forgive, we must cover both sides as TPTB know that harmless exchange of personal forgiveness can carry over to imprint the minds of the great unwashed into forgiveness of evil acts on a biblical scale.
Become a counter weight to offset and prevent possible whitewash down the road. Please comment more often GPH. 🙂
There is method to my madness, KWIM?
good clarification there.
“Forgive them Father…”
And He “Gave up The Ghost”; “Yielded Up His Spirit”…
Outta Context.
THAT is the ONE unpardonable Sin. Rejection/Denial of The Holy Spirit:
Matthew 12:31
“Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men.”
King James Version (KJV)
However…
Jeremiah 29:13
“And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.”
King James Version (KJV)
Subtle ‘Variants’ of same elsewhere.
I believe hate and anger have a place.
Hate and anger are rooted in fear.
Psychology 101.
So what?
Psychology is a conjure of the ((())) usual suspects. It is 100% controlled by them and is used in their favor. I have little or NO use for the field of psychology.
I have the RIGHT to be angry, they have fuked up our world in order to benefit for themselves. WE have the RIGHT to be very angry. This will never stop if you don’t f’n stand up .
You’re subconscious is scared that things will get worse and there is nothing you can do about it no matter how much you tell yourself otherwise. It’s called survival instinct.
All the energy and time and money and preparations you have made might be for nothing and things that you can’t control and this makes you mad.
This is normal and I think most people feel the same way (including myself) if they are being totally honest with themselves.
Anon- You’re damn right I’m mad, mostly I’m mad that people are so insouciant when it comes to genocide…. like it was a f’n cheese sammich. Oh, well it’s out of your control….ho hum…..go watch some sports and eat some chips goy.
I guess I should be thankful to my overlords and maybe the traffic will improve…..right??
BL,
Hate and anger can help a person exact a shit ton of retribution. Fo sho.
Are you willing to endure the shit ton of retribution you deserve? Will you ask for mercy?
You can split hairs and say you haven’t mistreated anybody anywhere near what the Luciferians have done, but certainly you, as well as all of us, are guilty to some degree.
Live by the sword, & die by the sword.
The cycle continues, until someone has the balls and brevity to disengage, pick up the pieces, and rebuild.
Glow much ? The bible thumping is not selling the LIE. Excuse us while we don’t just roll over and forgive/forget.
Mass murder by needle rape or mass murder by abortion or mass murder by bombs is the same thing: bloody murder.
KJV Gen 4 9-10 And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper? 10And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground.
The invisible line beyond which no forgiveness is possible is killing and death by cold-blooded murder; that is what the Evil Fuckers, by action of their demonic tools , have done.
Vengeance is a the appropriate response to such horror.
An excellent and thought provoking piece, M.C.
And vengeance will be wrought by Him who claims ownership.
I do not forgive. These people who called for us to be jailed, force jabbed, fined, denied basic RIGHTS.
FUCK ALL OF THEM! May they die in the most excruciatingly painful and drawn out way.
Forgiveness only comes when those who have been so utterly inhuman apologize, make restitution and clearly show they will never behave so again.
This will NEVER happen, so fuck all of them, I will NEVER assist, help, support or comfort these assholes.
May they burst into flames while I hold the only fire extinguisher. I won’t even pull the safety pin.
No, what I will do (and have) is excommunicate them. These people, for all intents and purposes, no longer exist to me. They are unwelcome, ever.
BTW, these people were so self absorbed and sanctimonious, not giving the slightest fuck about me or what harm their ‘reasonable demands’ could cause me.
When TSHTF, I will have zero problem with taking whatever I need from these people. They were willing to exterminate me to feel safe from the flu. I will sleep well after shooting them and taking all their shit, because I COME FIRST (and only) now. They showed that they do not respect my rights and life. Those who do not value my rights and life, will be be afforded the same level of consideration when the time comes.
Never forget that those who have manipulated the Covid fiasco have been on power trips ultimately financed by the common man in a wide variety of nefarious ways. Pretty doubtful any of them will ever repay their debts.
Nice work, Mary Christine! I’m a little too gobsmacked right now to participate in the discussion—but I deeply appreciate the thought you put into your essay, and your courage to put yourself out there. You rock!
I also deeply appreciate the thoughtful responses. Y’all are keeping me on track. Good to have a forum that makes you think, not just emote. Peace to you all. Keep thinking!!!
Forgiveness without either repentance or retribution is exactly why these genocidal murderers remain in authority.
The wise man will not pardon any crime that ought to be punished, but he will accomplish, in a nobler way, all that is sought in pardoning. He will spare some and watch over some, because of their youth, and others on account of their ignorance. His clemency will not fall short of justice, but will fulfill it perfectly.
-Seneca
You raise a very interesting question and it appears to me that you have already answered it for yourself.
When you forgive someone for what they have done, you unburden yourself, not them. It doesn’t mean you forget or give them back the gift of your trust, only that you no longer carry their injustice with you. Sounds counter-intuitive in theory, but in practice it’s the only move that works.
I struggled for a while with how to deal with family members who cut us completely out of their life during the hoax and then after almost three years waned to resume things as if nothing had happened, no apology, no acknowledgement. It was my wife who led me to the path of forgiveness and we went back to their home for Thanksgiving without taking a stand and it felt like the weight of the world lifted from my shoulders. My wife was right and I’m grateful to her for having a better understanding of the dynamic than I did.
I never pay attention to the Government or big business and didn’t listen to anything they said anyway, so no real harm/no foul there. I always assume they think of us livestock and avoid them whenever possible. I don’t think forgiveness is applicable to anything that isn’t personal.
You’re a good person, you’ll figure it out.
So they learned nothing, have not changed their ways, will behave exactly the same way next time.
And you will accept that? Forgive it?
Gee, I wonder why we are so fucked as a society? Could it be that we continually let the fuckheads off without penalty for their unacceptable (or should be) behavior, so they never have reason to learn or change?
“They learned nothing, have not changed their ways, will behave exactly the same way next time.”
That is not the forgiver’s concern (and it may even be untrue). The forgiver’s only concern is that he can control his impulses for revenge and extend grace to the guilty. And the Farmer never has to wonder “Would it have been better if I had accepted that invitation to Thanksgiving dinner?”
My family all took the jab, some because their doctor told them to, others because their jobs required it, and a couple who just wanted to be able to travel. I don’t judge their choice or reasons, even though some of them sure judged me when I said I wasn’t interested in taking a jab that was released mere weeks after we started hearing about Covid and no long term safety or efficacy data was known.
I chose to forgive my family and attended holiday dinners this year as if nothing happened. My parents are elderly, and both have had what I suspect are health problems related to the jab and yet they still talk about going for their next booster. I know they’ve both had at least 4 jabs, and I pray they don’t choose to get any more. I’m grateful for every day they still walk the earth, even if they openly spoke about punishment and wished death for the unvaccinated before they realized I hadn’t joined them in getting the jab.
I cannot forgive, nor will I forget, that governments, Bell Media, Rogers Media, CBC, CTV, GlobalTV, The Toronto Star and The London Free Press fed my parents so many lies about Covid and the jabs. Government and media are the ones who created the circumstances that pitted Canadians against other Canadians, and I hope one day they will all be made to answer for the evil they did.
I feel like you are the only one who understood the entire essay. Some focused only on the named and unnamed entities who are causing all the chaos. That’s another subject entirely, in my opinion.
It really was concise and I understand the dilemma this question poses. Can’t wait to show it to my wife and get her take.
I find it challenging to forgive myself for some things. That is an ongoing spiritual issue for me.
The head of our church told this story. He saw a bunch of things for sale in a newspaper add, and they all were thing to do with allergies as air filters etc… He thought people never get over their allergies. He sensed a story and called her up. This is her story.
I always had a lot of allergies, and there were only a few things I could eat without having a reaction. I tried everything over the years. I went to many specialists over the decades and nothing worked. Then I came upon the idea of forgiveness. I first thought to forgive the chemical companies that make all these toxins that are in our foods. I got a little better. I worked on forgiving friends and family and got a lot better. But I still had some allergies. Then it came to me that I need to forgive myself. That was the biggest struggle of all. I am now allergy free, and that’s why all my things are for sale.
I have though about this story many times, and come to the conclusion that forgiveness is an aspect of love, and with love all things are possible.
So Gayle, you are not alone.
That’s a great story and it speaks to the terrain theory. It would not surprise me if it were true.
We are the cause of our problems, not someone or something else. We just have to find the right combination to rid our lives of everything toxic, including relationships.
Yes. We are often our own worst enemy. I learned the technique of throwing things into the river which symbolizes the holy spirit, giving your burdens to God. If you learn the art of forgiveness, miracles happen.
Thank you, AKJohn and HF.
A lady in our extended family discovered late in life that she has celiac disease. She never could tolerate most foods, ate sparingly, and was lacking in endurance. The reason for the failure of a timely diagnosis for the well educated woman was never divulged. Once she did get the diagnosis and start eating accordingly all symptoms vanished; in fact, she put on considerable weight and now bears little resemblance to herself in younger years.
Having raised a child with controllable allergies that required a lot of work and sacrifice to beat the discomforts but it became easier and easier as the years progressed. A frequently given reason is that allergies sometimes become less severe with age; maybe true/maybe not. Luckily, in our case it seems that we did prevail, though not completely and it was not always easy. I’ll have to ask if forgiveness played a role.
Peace, follows acceptance, which follows forgiveness of self/others.
Forgiveness is for you, not the transgressor. If you hold resentment against somebody for what they did or said they are controlling you. You are reacting, not deciding your own fate. Most likely these people are “asleep” – behaving unconsciously. You should feel sympathy towards them because they are robots, dancing to the tune of the external forces. It is illogical to dislike what they do yet behave the same way they do.
Jesus asks you to forgive and pray for your enemies because it allows you to transform the negative energy inside you into something which makes you stronger.
A good example was Tyson Fury, world heavyweight boxing champion after his 3rd fight with Wilder. Wilder is a sore loser and refused to shake Fury’s hand after Fury had beaten him for the 3rd time. When asked about it in the post fight interview Fury said something like….
“Deontay Wilder has no love for me. I offered to shake his hand but he refused it. I’ll pray for him so God will soften his heart”.
The reaction of the crowd said it all. This is the way to the “Kingdom of God” Jesus spoke about
Yes. You got it right. But, I also noticed it made the other person at ease when I forgave them. I look at forgiveness as breaking the karmic ties between people.
It’s not a completely apt comparison, but, remember the two criminals crucified next to our Blessed Lord Jesus? Jesus had really good news for the one on his right, not so much for the one on his left.
Do the gospels relay how Jesus said to the one on his left, “Oh, gee, I know you don’t believe, but, it’s ok, you can come to Paradise, too.”
Nope.
“Forgiveness if for you, not the transgressor”-a lot of wisdom in those few words. In this case-at least for me-it is simply a matter of understanding the motives of the transgressors, embracing forgiveness where appropriate, then smashing the crap out of them in a responsible manner.
Forgive?
Fine.
If conditions below are met:
1. Trial
2. Punishment.
Then I forgive.
But never forget.
To prevent it in the future.
MC
You seem to know quite a bit about forgiveness; what the Bible says in general, what Jesus says in particular, what it really is, and what it is not. So, what’s the problem?
Pertinent question; have you yet forgiven your “friend” and/or “family members”?
— If “yes”, then you have the answer to the question in the title. No, it is NOT impossible to forgive.
— IF “no”, why not? Perhaps it is impossible … for you.
==========
Me? Talking only about my personal relationships. There are people I have forgiven. There are also people I have not forgiven … and the probability is that I never will. Why not? I just don’t WANT to!! It’s no more complicated than that. Cuz we always always do what we really want to do.
Do I feel guilty about not forgiving some people? Do I carry an unnecessary burden? Am I secretly or unconsciously miserable for not forgiving? No. no, and no. In fact, I feel good about it and I hope the SOBs fucken rot in hell.
I’m still working on it. It’s not impossible, I just need to decide I want to do it.
That’s exactly what I said it comes down to.
Self almost always wins. Human nature being what it is.
Well, it’s a bit more complicated than just wanting to forgive. I want to, but there are steps I have to take to accomplish it. I’m still at the bottom of the steps.
I appreciate Stucky’s honesty, perhaps he and I won’t forgive everyone……so be it.
Therein lies the difficulty I have with the Lord’s Prayer in that He said God measures His forgiveness of Us against Our forgiveness of Others.
Joe- Here at the end of the day, half of us are talking about global genocide and half are speaking of personal affronts. By all means forgive the person who hurt you in some way. But it is asking me to forgive Satan for his evil works to forgive his minions who have purposely maimed and killed around the world with regards to this fake “pandemic”. Will God deny me forgiveness for not forgiving Satan’s minions?? Can you honestly say that?
Bea, who is everyone? I don’t believe everyone is our burden. I think the Holy Spirit will burden us with who He wants us to forgive. Everyone else is God’s problem.
I have 3 people on my mind. That’s it. Just those 3.
“I just don’t want to”. Come on ol’ Stucky, be honest with yourself. You know the real reason why you won’t forgive.
Anyway, when was doing just what you want to the path to improving your life?
Nothing wrong at all with applying situational criteria to when deciding what to do.
My final thoughts on the matter….
Does the IRS forgive? Do the police forgive? Do credit card companies forgive? Do banks forgive? It appears forgiveness is only for the serf class. How convenient.
Actually, the IRS will waive late fees (interest too IIRC) — but you have to ask them, and they generally will only do it once (i.e. you can’t make a habit of seeking it).
How true, but ya gotta know their rules.
Credit card companies will, if only as a last resort, accept a small percentage of what is owed, maybe just to take what they can get,
as the best possible outcome for them. Even at a huge loss.
I knew of a woman who racked up huge amounts of debt on credit.
After constant badgering in the attempt to collect, she dodged it by declaring bankruptcy, and consulted some form of arbitrator to settle the debt and be done with it.
IIRC, she was able to settle by ponying up a mere 30% of the outstanding debt total, which settled the issue for the card company.
My reaction was, WTF?
How about the CC card companies reward those of us who pay off our balance each month, instead of rewarding people who steal from you?
Seems unfair, to the people who follow the rules and settle debts owed in full, when loan forgiveness is extended to scofflaws.
There are ways to work that system. If you can get your personal net worth to zero, you can have a lot of fun with credit. Transfer all of your assets into an estate or trust.
Get as many credit cards as they will give you. Cycle them and miss a payment occasionally. Every time I miss a payment, they offer to up my credit limit, substantially.
Once you have several with high limits, go to your local precious metals dealer and buy gold. Max out every card buying it. Hide the gold, well and carefully.
Let them come after you for the money. If you have nothing to take, they will try to get you to take a payment plan, or lesser amount to get you to pay. Ignore them. Once they figure out that there is no hope of recovery, they will just write it off.
Where is the gold? “I lost it all in a backroom poker game”.
There is little they can do unless they can prove intentional fraud. A very tough prove unless you admit to it or keep records indicating this was your plan.
The article is about letting go, not forgiveness. The kingdom is within. All on the external comes from within. Once you see it, you connect the dots. Seeing what happened. You see the meaning. You start to reclaim control. You stop being a victim. We’re dealing with narcissism. It’s on all levels, family, partners, work, society. We got narcissistic features ourselves. The narcissist gaslights. This is what happened like never before. There’s a shift. The cure is no contact. Let ’em live in their hell. Heal by separation. Reclaim yourself, your kingdom. You create the kingdom. You can’t enter the kingdom with a consciousness of hell. Rage and revenge have to be left behind. They will just disappear, they are not real. They are dead. They want to live by artificial means, they have to, because they are dead, got no ability to create.
What you say is a lot easier for us introverts!
Forgiveness means you quit replaying the offense over and over in your head.
Forgiveness is hard work, and it’s costly. For believers, it’s covering the offense and the person with the blood of Christ. It is an act of obedience.
these are wise words, MC. well done.
i recently completed (because i needed to) a very quick 5 day reading plan titled The Search for an Unoffendable Heart by Roxanne Parks, and it was helpful. the scripture cited truly cut right to the bone, sharper than any two-edge sword…
thanks for your article 🌟.
Reminds me when I was having a particularly hard time “Forgiving” someone and a friend said to me – Not forgiving them is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die……..that stopped me in my tracks.
Great thread Mary!
Just read all the comments upvoted many.
As far as the Luciferians, ORCs, Flying Monkeys, Sons of Bitches and Daughters of Witches at the decision making level behind all the plandemic deaths, disabilities, families, businesses, and careers destroyed (that I believe is just getting ramped up) I feel no need to forgive them. I don’t know any of them and God will handle them.
However, I hope to see the consequences for their demonic behavior started here on planet earth…but only time will tell on that.
As far as the barber, and three retail employees who asked me to mask up or leave…all three stayed polite even as I firmly explained why I refuse to wear the useless symbol of submission. I’m not angry with them…they were just Baaaaing like the vast majority at the height of the Con.
As far as the Karen’s and Ken’s I went open carry during the mass gas lighting and that seemed to keep them down to glares, then wide eyes, then a puff of road runner smoke. (My mesh sniper veil I wore instead of a mask with the big boy on my hip was actually fun sometimes).
As far as family the only ones who got self-righteous are also the only raging outspoken liberals on both sides of our family (they were scheduled for a visit but hinted they didn’t want to come unless we got jabbed – this was early on during the needle murders). I told them we will get jabbed after hell freezes over…and that canceled the visit. Since then one of them has had sudden massive open heart surgery, died on the table, was brought back, and is bed bound at home in terrible shape.
No need to forgive them for what they did to themselves. I did pray for them when I heard about the sudden heart problems…and the near death open heart surgery.
Like all of us I have had a number of hurtful and or toxic people in my life who have betrayed or attacked me in different ways. One long time close friend came back years later and asked for forgiveness, and of course I gave it to him, he was sincere, actually started crying. (That flipped me out). I have never brought it up to him since, and we still hang around together often to this day…and the betrayal was in 2005.
Now, I have had to ask for forgiveness (we will skip those ugly details) a number of times during my overflowing piss & vinegar decades…and it was given. So there is always two sides to the forgiveness coin.
I have this in my bedroom
Thanks, Mark. Every situation is different. Praying for people who wronged you is what forgiveness looks like.
In my case, I have the widow of my late brother who hasn’t talked, emailed or texted for going on 3 years. She cut me off, I did not cut her off. My nephew, her son, reached out to me after he told me on the phone the unvaxxed should lose their jobs and starve and I was not ready to let that go.
The friend is unvaxxed. I think it’s just a misunderstanding and I’m not really mad at her. Both of us are a little stubborn. One of us needs to give in. There’s no reason it shouldn’t be me but as I said, I’m stubborn.😁
“I have this in my bedroom”
… as will I. Thank you.
You bet buddy…1,000 words in that picture.
I have seen lots of people go through the dying process. Those who had unforgiveness were definitely tormented at the end. This is also true for unforgiving Christian believers cloaked in the blood of the lamb.
Ephesians 4:32 Amplified Bible
‘Be kind and helpful to one another, tender-hearted [compassionate, understanding], forgiving one another [readily and freely], just as God in Christ also forgave you.’
Forgiveness frees YOU, one less thing to carry around all your life, especially the hypocrisy. Why waste the time on somebody else’s stupidity. The Booker T. Washington quote above in the article sums it up nicely.
“struggling with forgiveness”
Forgiveness does not mean non-opposition. You have no idea of the depth of your own sins, so if you want forgiveness from God then you must forgive others – but that does not mean you do not oppose evil or wrong as best you can.
Forgive them. Even as you fight them tooth and nail.
Civil society must be preserved and protected.
Democidal sociopaths must be removed from society in order to preserve and protect society.
Just as I don’t lose sleep over hating the sociopaths of the past (Hitler, Napoleon, slavemasters, etc), neither do I allow them to continue to exist in civil society.
The cancer must be cut out in order for healing to begin.
I am currently struggling with the same issue, Mary Christine. It seems to me there are two aspects of this:
1. Personal forgiveness for the wrong that we feel was done against us. Mathew 6: 14-15, if we want God’s forgiveness on us, we need to forgive others. I’m paraphrasing. The root of this comes down to the fact we didn’t deserve forgiveness, but were yet forgiven when we called on Christ. If we have a clean heart, then forgiveness flows out.
2. The consequences of the grievous wrongs perpetuated against humanity are inevitable, no matter how many of us forgive these scumbags. Our forgiveness does not give them a ‘pass’, and there is nothing wrong with yearning for justice to be meted out swiftly.
How about we talk of forgiveness when they put the Offensive Operation to rest.
Until then I’ll try to educate those closest to me.
My family was excluded from family functions. We stood alone for what seemed like forever until finally we found other like minded people. I don’t feel harmed by that or by anything that anyone else in society did or is doing with respect to covitus. Therefore I don’t feel that there is anything to be forgiven. However, now that they all have shown their true colours, I want nothing to do with them. Nothing at all. I am mindful of the company that I keep; lest I imbibe their traits.
In chemistry it is called a litmus test. Covid has told a lot-at least for those who are willing to listen first and then make reasonable judgement.
The Bible is a book of Wisdom and balance .Pearls before swine can balance the gift of forgivness .
The problem with the weak, feminine religion that Christianity has become is that almost all churches only preach the milk of the word. They don’t preach the harder truths that require logic and common sense to understand. Forgive? Are you supposed to forgive Satan? No, well what about the other fallen angels? No, well what about the human followers of Satan? This is where the burnt agains fall short in their understanding of the Word. Are you supposed to forgive murder? Are you supposed to forgive treason? Are you supposed to forgive those that promote drag queen story hour? Of course not! You are supposed to punish them according to the Law so you don’t bring a curse upon the land. What about those murderers that pushed lockdowns, mask mandates, forced vaccination, theft of billions of dollars under the Covid rubric? The problem is that Lucifer rules this nation and every other nation on the planet. Which of course makes a mockery of another “Christian” false teaching: Obey the government! Even when they abort children, or groom minors for their own perversions. The problem with weak people is they don’t want to know the truth. They just want to know the rules. If the rules say you can change your children’s genders, you’ll go along with it. If the rules say you are supposed to despise your birthright and give away your country to invaders you’ll go along with it. What we need are a million Phineas priests, not church leaders that are concerned with maintaining their 501 (c)(3) status.
AMEN!!!
Kudos.
There will be blood !
Yes the bible tells us to forgive. But this from ACTS 5.
Ananias and Sapphira
5 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.
3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied just to human beings but to God.”
5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6 Then some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.
7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?”
“Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”
9 Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”
10 At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. 11 Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.
Yes Forgive. But the Holy Spirit will judge them. Not us.
“Forgive us as we forgive those who trespass against us.”
That is not a command to forgive.
You are right.
It is a condition set for Our Forgiveness.
Trespass is not cold-blooded murder.
Late to the party, M.C., but I do believe the following maxim: Anger and resentments are poisons we drink ourselves.
And, when I really wish to engage in a grand lesson in humility, I will read the Bible’s Book of Job chapters 38, 39, and 40 and take note of Job’s responses in particular.
I read through Job when I was in chemo. I figured if Job can go though what he went though and not curse God I had just better rest in that.
Most people know not what they do, Mary. And acceptance, in my view, is simply being an honest realist. I will be posting an article tonight (for tomorrow) and it contains a fair amount of righteous anger even though I am not righteous. Some of us can understand that and that’s a good thing.
I was thinking about righteous anger last night. Jesus displayed righteous anger. Suppose some righteous Jews had cleared the Temple before he came along. Do you think God would have been angry or pleased that they had done that? There is scripture in the OT that indicates that we should hate what God hates. That’s the difference, I think.
I’ll be looking for your essay.
Never forgive, never forget.
Kill all those who work to destroy the world.
‘Admire’ Your Efforts/Posts will have ta suffice. Generally need to take my shoes off to count past 10.
New to The Bible. For instance 14 ‘Clean’;7 pair;M/F loaded on The ARK?
Matthew 18:21-35
21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. = ?