Talking about forgiveness causes us to reflect on some very personal hurtful experiences in our lives. Abuse, put-downs, broken promises, harsh words and even more painful incidents cause us to struggle with resentment and bitterness. Unforgiveness encases us in a miserable existence changing our perception of the world and people from positive to negative, causing us to withdraw, putting us in a mode of retaliation. We need the sweet relief of forgiveness not only to grant it to others but to receive it for ourselves. None of us is without sin.
Forgiveness breaks the cycle.
In that way, said Solzhenitsyn, we differ from all animals. I would add that since we are to be like Christ, then, our forgiveness needs to be unconditional and without requirement of payment. The wonderful part of forgiveness is that we have to totally surrender to Christ for the power to forgive. Humility becomes us. Humility places us at the foot of the cross.