I never really thought about forgiveness.  It’s always so easy to nod and smile when someone apologizes for speaking unkindly, or doing something they shouldn’t have done, or not doing something they should have done—because really, even though things like that might sting at first, it’s only reactionary.  It doesn’t hurt, deep down inside.  We can overlook it and move on.

But that’s not forgiveness.

Forgiveness is the pain—gut-wrenching, exhausting pain—endured.

Forgiveness is the heat of anger coursing in your veins, twisting your stomach—forgotten.

Forgiveness is the sick feeling of unspoken justice—accepted.

Forgiveness is the knowledge seared in your mind, the unfading memory—ignored.

Forgiveness is the unbearable weight of all the tears—lifted.

Forgiveness is the burning desire to condemn—silenced.

Forgiveness is the consummation of everything your battered heart craves, the wild longing for rectitude—let go.

Forgiveness is the death of self.

“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” –Matthew 6:14-15

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