The Mathematics of Forgiveness

When we are treated deeply unjustly by others, we have a tendency to be wounded in at least eight ways. First is the injustice itself. Second is the emotional reaction, such as considerable anger or frustration or sadness. Third, we sometimes feel shame because others are looking and wondering. Fourth, all of the above can make us tired. Fifth, we sometimes can’t stop thinking about what happened. Sixth, as we compare ourselves to the one who hurt us, we see ourselves as coming up short. Seventh, we sometimes have to make unwanted changes in our lives. And eighth, we drift into pessimism.

One injustice, eight wounds. Now, suppose one person hurt you deeply 20 times. That is 20 X 8 = 160 wounds you are carrying around inside of you.

Suppose further that 5 other people have hurt you 10 times each……just wait a minute., please….doing the math here……That is 400 more wounds. Adding the first person who hurt you to the other five who hurt you and look. You are carrying around at least 560 wounds inside of you.

Injustice has a way of making us round-shouldered if you think about it. But be of good cheer. Forgiveness properly practiced can eliminate most of these wounds, allowing you to stand up straight perhaps for the first time in years.

Do the math…..then please consider forgiving.

Robert

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Categories: Anger, Consequences of Forgiving, Our Forgiveness Blog, Why Forgive?

2 comments

  1. Helen says:

    I just realized that our pain can accumulate, like cholesterol around the heart or trash on the highway, unless we do the work of cleaning up the debris. Exercise helps the heart, and so why not forgiveness exercise for the heart in pain?

  2. Samantha says:

    This is one of the best motivators I have ever seen in getting me to do the hard work of forgiveness. I am one to think about the ideas on this website and to ponder answers, but now this is the call to get going.

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