Forgiveness

Question 1

Overview of Forgivness

Answer 1

• Forgiveness is one of the most important and also one of the most difficult elements of a truly Christian lifestyle
• It is necessary to forgive because forgiveness allows us to move past old hurts and allows us to fully love all of our neighbors as christ teaches us to

Question 2

What is Vengeance?

Answer 2

• The passion to get even. It is a hot desire to give back as much pain as someone gave to you.
• The problem with revenge is that it never gets what it wants. It never evens the score. Fairness never comes.
• The chain reaction set off by every act of vengeance always takes an unhindered course. It ties both the injured and the injurer to an escalation of pain.

Question 3

Why Forgiveness is important?

Answer 3

• One of the reasons that forgiveness is so important because when we refuse to forgive we put ourselves in a position of judgment over others
• When we do this we fail to see our own failings and we unjustly take on God’s role as righteous judge

Question 4

What Forgiveness is Not?

Answer 4

• Forgiving does not mean accepting or justifying what others have done
• It does not mean denying the harm that has been caused
• It does not mean forgetting

Question 5

What Forgiveness Is?

Answer 5

• Forgiveness is choosing to let go of the grudge and the anger that result when people have wronged us
• It is choosing to move forward in relationship with others, trying to love them even though they may have wronged us
• It requires the recognition that we are all sinners and that we all require mercy and forgiveness from God and each other

Question 6

Why is Forgiveness is Transformative?

Answer 6

• When we forgive it has the power to transform lives (ours and others).`
• It allows us to stop focusing on our pain so that we can move on in our lives.
• It allows other people to stop being on the defensive so that they can reconnect with us and possibly learn and grow through those relationships.

Question 7

What is Restorative Justice

Answer 7

• This form of justice (giving “the other” their due) emphasizes healing the harm caused by wrongdoing, by seeking to name the truth, and to make amends personally by bringing together victims, offenders, and the community to promote peace. {See CCC nos. 1443-1444}