You say in the book, The Forgiving Life, that the highest form of forgiveness is to engage in agape love for the offending person. This would mean that I have to willingly want to help this person even if it is painful for me to do so. I am not near that place right now. I am less angry, and I even wish her well, but I am not able to go higher than this right now. Does this mean that I am not forgiving?
There is a difference between the essence of forgiveness and its current expression in any of us as imperfect forgivers. So, do not be dismayed if all you can do for now is reduce anger and wish her well. You are on the journey of forgiveness, and you should be encouraged by this. Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher, said that we grow in the moral virtues by practicing them. Keep up the practice of forgiveness. You will keep advancing in this heroic moral virtue.
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