Forgiveness
What does forgiveness look like? We speak of forgiveness during the High Holidays. We are told to ask for forgiveness from others. Our tradition says we cannot approach God to ask for forgiveness until we have done so with the people in our lives.
This is the time to consider what it means to be forgiven. What must we do to make our request for forgiveness one that is full, with merit and true? How do we convey the sincerity of our Teshuva that makes the request of another we have wronged compelling?
Are we willing to do all those things that transform us from someone who wronged another to someone who is sorry and has become someone who will not inflict that kind of hurt again? Even if our apologies are not accepted, think of what better people we have become.
A thought to ponder this 5th day of Elul~
Just a quick note cousin. I’m quick to apologize, even if it’s just to make peace. However forgiveness is not in my nature. From family stuff, to cruelty to animals. To me it means saying it’s ok when it’s not.
Hope you had a lovely birthday.
Forgiveness is not about saying it is okay when it is not. Forgiveness is about our capacity to move beyond a hurt or transgression when the person doing it is sincere in teshuva and our ability to see that. It doesnt erase what occurred. But if we cannot find room for forgiveness, we are constricted and the capacity for the relationship to continue is at risk.