Forgiveness - by John Foley

Jesus gave two good but difficult commandments: Love; Forgive. They go together.

Paul wrote: “Forgive, as Christ has forgiven you.” There are no conditions.
As we acknowledge our need, we have God’s free forgiveness. It is there for the taking. So too in human relationships. True forgiveness has no conditions. We are to extend it to all who have offended. But it is only received by those who confess their sin. Then there are grounds for reconciliation; as between God and us, so between ourselves. Forgiveness does not deny that a wrong has been done – but it bears its pain. The Cross tells us that. This too carries over into our human relationships. To forgive is painful and costly, but in Christ we are to offer it freely. As we admit our need we also can receive it, humbly and gratefully from God, and from each other, and often mutually.