Reconciliation and Growth

Forgiveness is an act grounded in love and a commitment to justice. It is a divine grace that frees us from the cycle of hatred and violence, allowing us to pray for the salvation of those who have wronged us. Forgiveness is the act of desiring divine overcoming of evil while also desiring the salvation of those who have been seduced by it. Forgiveness does not erase the pain of being wronged but transforms it into compassion, offering a chance for healing. Hatred, on the other hand, seeks the destruction of the other, infecting even those with good intentions. By choosing forgiveness, we refuse to let hatred dictate our actions. We acknowledge the wrongs done, but we also extend the possibility of reconciliation and growth. Forgiveness is not about excusing harm; it’s about breaking the cycle of hurt and opening the door to true healing.

May we embrace the divine grace of forgiveness,
desiring both the defeat of evil and the redemption
of those who have wronged us.

(inspired by Karen Baker-Fletcher, Dancing with God; Prentis Hemphill, What It Takes to Heal)