On a Steadfast Heart
Stand when you are treated unfairly, knowing that the other has created disorder.
Stand so that you do not become a part of that disorder.
Forgive so that you put love into a situation that could break you, that could make you disordered.
Love persistently so that you put goodness back into a world that is tempting you toward anger and bitterness.
Wait for love to come to you and keep your heart soft through forgiveness so that you are able to receive that love when it is offered to you.
Robert
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I like this word “stand.” It shows the amazing courage and strength needed for forgiveness. Anyone who calls forgiveness a weakness has never had to “stand” in this way against evil.
Whoever says that forgiveness is a sign of weakness should read this post. I think they would be more than a little challenged by this. Thank you for this perspective.
I had not realized how much courage it does take to forgive especially those who have hurt us to a large extent. Without courage it would be too easy to just stay angry and then resentful. This is not the courageous way to live.
I agree with Samantha that this set of ideas brings out the link between courage and forgiveness. One can stand in the face of cruelty only if one has some kind of inner strength.
The concept of ‘hesed’, of rock-solid steadfast and compassionate love, of reliable, faithful love that is realistic, tough and healing is a key Biblical idea concerning how God relates to fallible, hurting people (see the affirmations of this in Lamentations Chapter 3, verses 22-23/ Psalm 107 verse 43). Such love, divine and human, can provide a safe space with pressure off for someone to allow herself/himself to be real while containing raw emotions as a person risks the struggle to grow towards wholeness. Not a passive emotion but an active, strong and merciful ongoing attitude in which forgiveness is chosen daily despite easier options.