Forgiveness
Peter put to Jesus a very pertinent question: How many times should I forgive? The answer was very simple: Always!
God is always ready to forgive, and we are called to be perfect as the Father. However, it is a very difficult thing to do. How can I forgive? Humanly speaking, we prefer vengeance to forgiveness. We do not believe that people may change and we are not ready to give them a second opportunity. In our thirst for revenge, we pay evil with evil.
About that, Paul wrote to the Romans: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Ro 12:21), and “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” (Ro 12:14).
In fact, we are able to forgive only when we experience God’s forgiveness, after realising the destructive power of our sin. Forgiveness is something that we must learn at the feet of Jesus.
We should not think that forgiveness and reconciliation are only a personal thing and applies only to personal relationships. Forgiveness can have political dimensions, and it is never a sign of weakness, but a sign of strength in dignity. You can remember Nelson Mandela and the change he brought about by his attitude and his policy of forgiveness and reconciliation. To forgive does not mean to ignore or to accept evil, but it implies confidence in others ability to change and be better. Reconciliation is a positive choice made by someone who refuses to build society on hatred and violence.
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