I have decided to share this with you as I have been thinking about this matter for the last 3 days, and to me some people do not know the meaning of forgiveness, is it not part of the day-to-day life of a priest to forgive those who have done wrong? Or are we to deny them the forgiveness they seek and ask for within the church? Are we to forgive them 'but' not forget? Or are we to forgive the person and move on in the love of Christ and allow them to shine?
I know that some of you will answer this by saying ''It depends on what they have done'' but who are you to say that, that person does not deserve forgiveness, is it our job to judge them or is it God's job?
I do look at Christianity and I am shocked to see that 'some' Clergy do not know the meaning of forgiveness!
Maybe this will help!
What is Christian forgiveness?
Defining Christian forgiveness is done with words and actions. The word “forgive” is a grace word in the English, as well as the Greek, meaning “to give or to grant.” The meaning is “to remit a debt, to give up resentment or claim for requital, or to pardon an offence.”
Christian forgiveness also encompasses action. Our confession with God involves us seeing our sins as He sees it, bringing God’s forgiveness. When we sin against others, we sin against God. For this reason, we ask God to forgive us of our sins, but we must also forgive our fellow man.
“But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong” (1 John 1:9).
What guides Christian forgiveness if an offender is not willing to repent, when the victim has done nothing wrong? The Lord commands us to forgive, releasing the offence and the offender to Him. This is done in prayer to the Lord. God recognizes these situations with this Scripture.
“Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God. For it is written, ‘I will take vengeance; I will repay those who deserve it,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19).
When we have been wronged, and know we did nothing to deserve harsh treatment from the offender, we normally begin to think of retaliation. Retaliation or revenge is not the right course of action. We no longer dwell on the offence when we relinquish forgiveness, allowing God to take care of the vengeance in a fair, just, and appropriate manner.
Steps to Christian Forgiveness
1. We recognise that we are sinners in need of forgiveness.
2. We make the choice to forgive others.
3. We believe and experience Christ’s loving forgiveness in our lives.
4. Christ helps us to overcome negative thoughts that are blocking our ability to forgive.
5. The Holy Spirit empowers us with the right attitude to forgive those who have hurt us.
6. Trust that God will judge all the wrongs in the world.
7. When struggling with forgiving others, talk with someone you respect and trust to give you wise counsel, such as your pastor or friend.
Mass
Forgiveness in the Catholic church takes on several forms. The Mass, while mainly a celebration, is also a time to reflect upon your sins, recognize that you are unworthy. You can ask God for forgiveness. In the beginning of the Mass, the congregation recites the Confiteor: "I confess to almighty God, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have sinned through my own fault, in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done, and in what I have failed to do; and I ask blessed Mary, ever virgin, all the angels and saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God." Prior to Vatican II, a different version of the Confiteor was used. In this version, which was in Latin, the phrase "mea culpa" was repeated as the Catholic struck the breast with his fist. Translated from the Latin, mea culpa means "my fault." Today, although, the mea culpa has fallen out of popular use, you can still observe some Catholics, particularly older members of the parish, striking the breast and muttering this phrase. Prior to the consecration, the Penitential Rite is recited: "Lord I am not worthy to receive you but only say the word and I shall be healed." This prayer is asking for forgiveness but also is a statement of unworthiness. It means that you recognize that you are a sinner and unworthy of partaking in communion, even as you know that you receive God's love anyway.
Confession
Confession or Penance is first undertaken prior to the First Holy Communion at about age 7. Catholic doctrine states that 7 is the age of reason, meaning that by this time, the child is able to tell right from wrong. The purpose of Confession is to admit your sins to the priest, who intercedes on the sinner's behalf to grant God's forgiveness. At the close of Confession, the priest assigns a penance. This usually consists of prayers or whole rosaries. It is assumed that you are forgiven through the completion of the penance. It is a common misconception that you should go to confession every week or at the very least, once per year. This once per year notion is also known as "Easter Duty." In fact, Confession is only needed for mortal sins. Mortal sins are very serious transgressions such as murder. Venial sins, that are less serious are believed to be forgiven through the prayers and actions in Sunday Mass.
Forgiveness can also be experienced through other sacraments. The Anointing of the Sick, also known as Last Rites or Extreme Unction, is performed on Catholics who are very ill and possibly dying. In addition to blessing the sick individual, the priest may hear confessions and absolve sins as part of the Anointing of the Sick. It is important to note that in recent years, the notions and practice of forgiveness in Catholicism has evolved to be somewhat less formal than before Vatican II. Once, forgiveness was thought to be granted primarily through sacraments and through the intercession of the priest or the saints on your behalf. It is now commonly accepted that a sinner who is sorry for his transgressions may simply pray and ask God directly for forgiveness for it to be granted. There is also much less emphasis on punishment and suffering for your sins than in years past.
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