20 September | Youth
«Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.» Luke 7:47-48
Forgiveness is the most important attitude for the proper functioning of human relationships. Those who are married know this, because hardly a day or week goes by in which we do not have to ask for or offer forgiveness. A forgiving spirit crowns every healthy relationship. When the miracle of forgiveness blooms, even broken relationships are restored.
There are two basic forms of forgiveness: active and passive. The first occurs when we forgive someone who has done us wrong. In my experience, for example, I decided to forgive my father for abandoning my family when my brothers and I were children. I understood that this was the best thing to do to have peace with God and with myself. The decision to forgive someone who hurt us is an act of courage, motivated by the gift of forgiveness received. Do not let unforgiveness take away your peace for another second. Choose to be happy!
Passive forgiveness, in turn, is receiving forgiveness from someone we have hurt or injured, when we have already asked for forgiveness and made amends for our offenses. Many people are unable to forgive themselves and, consequently, are unable to experience God's forgiving grace and love. They live in permanent penance before God and others. They associate every problem or difficulty they face with past guilt.
The story of the sinful woman who anointed Jesus' feet with tears and perfume is beautiful. From her, we can learn an important lesson about forgiveness. Jesus was invited to eat at the house of Simon, who was an arrogant Pharisee. When the woman arrived on the scene, Simon declared: “She is a sinner!” She said nothing, asked for nothing, but received everything. Her heart was melting with love and gratitude to Jesus. All types of forgiveness generate self-love, love for God and for others. Try this in your life. I can tell you with confidence that living this fully is liberating and generates real happiness.