[September 3, 2023] My friend, Eddie, asked me to write about forgiveness two weeks ago. Eddie is a very religious man, and I could have taken that route to discuss the act of forgiveness, but I wanted to look back in time and take another look at this essential idea. I plan to write about forgiveness again as soon as I mature on the idea, but I do know that forgiveness can only be an ancient virtue.
I believe it was also a moral behavior that evolved from when humans first walked the earth. The question to ask is, why would anyone forgive another for any transgression? I believe the answer lies in the fact that we all make mistakes, and yet, to grow and get along with others, we must forgive. Having all our wrongdoings exposed for all to see will overwhelm any social order, pushing us into chaos. Not forgiving others is a social suicide pact.
We should have a more forgiving attitude about the past. And that is an open acknowledgment that the past has many wrongs. The interesting point is that when we look at those people in the past, we see them, but we don’t see the fog they had to navigate. Everything looks inevitable once you’re been through it. To forgive is an acknowledgment we do not have perfect sight of the past.
“Man proceeds in the fog. But when he looks back to judge people of the past, he sees no fog on their path. From his present, which was their faraway future, their path looks perfectly clear to him, good visibility all the way. Looking back, he sees the path, he sees the people proceeding, he sees their mistakes, but not the fog.” – Milan Kundera in Testaments Betrayed
Let us not underestimate the idea of forgiveness. Forgiveness is no simple concept. Forgiving is not just uttering the words. And most importantly, forgiveness requires strong judgment. Some people wrongly believe that judgment is the opposite of forgiveness, which is not the case; they are closely intertwined.
There is judgment with forgiveness. Forgiveness means that we acknowledge certain behaviors as unacceptable and are willing to let them go to ensure a future of harmony. Judgment is utterly necessary, or there’s no true forgiveness. Without that piercing judgment distinguishing between what is worthy and what is not, we cannot live in the peace that judgment brings.
In Biblical passages, we read much about forgiveness, giving us a deeper understanding of why we are forgiving creatures. Douglas Murray pointed out that perhaps we should be forgiving of those in the past who made mistakes so that people in the future may forgive us. Biblical passage Matthew 6:14-15 states:
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” – Matthew 6:14-15, ESV
We forgive others so that others can forgive us. This is simple, practical, and good advice.
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Reading the comments on forgiveness was very thoughtful. I am so glad my friend Gen Douglas Sattefield wrote this post. The article was right on point. Unforgiviness if not deal with causes stress and stress led to death.
Now, this article is a bit different for a couple of reasons. First you are developing an idea and yet have it fully matured. Second, you are exploring a very ancient virtue and why it would persist over the time of humans (being a big part of the Bible makes that clear). Exploring this topic is great and I look forward to a future article with more detail and a flushed out concept.
Hi Gibbie, I think Gen. Satterfield has developed the idea very far along and make he does need to smooth a few edges but overall, a great idea to put into a few words.
Forgiveness, an idea that needs greater exploration. This article is a good start but has to be developed a bit more. Like you said, Gen. Satterfield, “forgiveness is a complex idea.” Bring in the Bible more next time. Like you have siad repeatedly, the Bible is the greatest human text of all time. The issue i need to address is trying to figure out the deep meaning behind the Biblical passages.
Mr. Eddie Gilliam, I’ve enjoyed your comments. I think that Gen. Satterfield is recognizing your insights on Biblical stories and on the Bible in general. Your thoughts would be most appreciated.
I was thinking the same thing.
Mr. Eddie is becoming a leadership forum star very fast.
I had never heard of this man before and appreciate his insights. I post his quote here again so as to emphasize his great insight. Thks Gen. s.
“Man proceeds in the fog. But when he looks back to judge people of the past, he sees no fog on their path. From his present, which was their faraway future, their path looks perfectly clear to him, good visibility all the way. Looking back, he sees the path, he sees the people proceeding, he sees their mistakes, but not the fog.” – Milan Kundera in Testaments Betrayed
FORGIVE and LIVE.
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Christianity matters. The Bible as a guide to life matters. Gen. Satterfield is spot on.
Yes, Bryan, but why? I think that Gen. Satterfield answers that question i asked with this paragraph he wrote.
” Let us not underestimate the idea of forgiveness. Forgiveness is no simple concept. Forgiving is not just uttering the words. And most importantly, forgiveness requires strong judgment. Some people wrongly believe that judgment is the opposite of forgiveness, which is not the case; they are closely intertwined.” – Gen. Satterfield
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Pay attention, focus, and learn from Gen. Satterfield, and u will not regret it for a moment.
Great point Peigin. 😁
Yes, well said and the best quote in of the week. The idea that forgiveness and judgment can be separated is wrorng.
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
Matthew 18:21-22
The basics of forgiveness are easy to talk about and discuss intellectually. In practice, however, it is very difficult because it runs counter to our internal emotions. This is often why men hate women, as us women hold onto grudges and are more likely to use non-physical destructive behaviors against men.
Well, there you go! I do think this is true and we are reading more and more about it everyday.
The reason the Bible has much to say about ‘forgiveness’ is because it is the reason so many are drawn to Christianity. Forgive past ‘sins’ meaning to forgive those mistakes we have made against others. We are human and make mistakes, some on purpose and some by accident. Things happen to people and we are far from perfect. That is the attraction to the lessons of the Bible. Gen. Satterfield quotes one passage that is most famous. Live by that rule and your life will be better and more adventurous.
Right!!!!!!
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Bible Verses about Forgiveness
https://dailyverses.net/forgiveness
Thank you Jonnie, !!!!
Points well taken, Max. Christianity is largely based upon FAITH and FORGIVENESS. There can be NO Christianity without both faith and forgiveness. That is both ethical and practice …..
Good point about the psych guys saying to relax and forgive.
Thank you, Mr. Eddie for suggesting this article from Gen. Satterfield. I k now that he has some intellectual development of the idea of forgiveness but let us also help.
I agree. The Bible has a lot to say about forgiveness. In fact, as we all know. Christianity is largely based upon the idea.
Exactly right. I was thinking the same thing and, yes, thank you Mr. Eddie Gillem.
Yes, Mr. Gilliam, thank you and also thanks to Gen. Satterfield for this useful artilce. Psychologists have for a long long time told us to let go of our troubles and forgive those who have trespassed against us (the Bible says so) and that is how we can help ourselves live a better, longer, and more satisfying life. If you want to read more on a good life, then read “55 rules for a good life” by Gen. Satterfield. 👀
Well said, and great points. ❤❤❤❤❤