What do you suggest that I do in the following situation? I now am part of a peer group that seems to be against forgiveness. The members of this group suggest that forgiveness is weak and we need to be tough and fight for justice. How do I stay true to forgiveness under these frustrating conditions? Should I just leave the group? We have common interests, such as sports, watching movies, and supporting one another.
If you want to stay in the group, you need to respond internally—in your own mind — each time an untrue statement is made about forgiveness. Resolve the issue in your own mind first. Do you think you can, at least at times, gently answer a statement of weakness by saying, “Here is another perspective. To forgive requires great courage because the forgiver is offering mercy to those who were not good to the forgiver. If someone can do that and, at the same time, strive with respect for justice, would you call that weakness?” You then can point out that a person can forgive and seek justice because these are not mutually exclusive. You might end up changing minds as you speak the truth about forgiveness.
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