Forgiveness Thoughts and Quotes

 Forgiveness

Maundy Thursday seems like a good day to start a series on forgiveness, so let's begin.

I intend for this series to a discussion. I am not the expert or even an expert on forgiveness. I don't forgive perfectly. I need to learn more about how forgiveness plays out in practical terms in a person's life.. specifically my own. 

So, I invite you to be a fellow student with me. Let us wrestle with ideas, share insights, pray for each other.  

 For today, here are some quotes about forgiveness that we can reflect upon:

“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you."
                                                                                                                               ~C.S. Lewis 

"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
 
“Dumbledore says people find it far easier to forgive others for being wrong than being right.”  
                                                                                                                               ~J.K. Rowling

“Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a constant attitude.”  
                                                                                     ~Martin Luther King, Jr.


“The willingness to forgive is a sign of spiritual and emotional maturity. It is one of the great virtues to which we all should aspire. Imagine a world filled with individuals willing both to apologize and to accept an apology. Is there any problem that could not be solved among people who possessed the humility and largeness of spirit and soul to do either -- or both -- when needed?” 
                                                                                          ~Gordon B. Hinkley

“When you forgive, you love. And when you love, God’s light shines upon you.”
                                                                                               ~Jon Krakauer


"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 

                                                                                     ~1 John 1:9

“Forgiveness is the name of love practiced among people who love poorly. The hard truth is that all people love poorly. We need to forgive and be forgiven every day, every hour increasingly. That is the great work of love among the fellowship of the weak that is the human family.”
                                                                                             ~ Henri J.M. Nouwen


"Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."
                                                                                  ~Matthew 6:12 

"If you don't forgive, you'll eventually have no friends left."
                                                                                  ~Anonymous


Which quote catches your attention? Do you have a favorite quote about forgiveness?

 

Bible verses from New International Version. Used by permission.
Quotes chosen from Good Reads. 
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One place I learned about forgiveness was the Christian Youth Conference at Ocean Park (CYC). CYC is a two week experience of Christian community and a discipleship training program for high school youth. This year's conference is August 2-15 on the beautiful southern coast of Maine. Registration is open. For more information, click here.

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This is my second post for the April 2015 Ultimate Blog Challenge. Thirty posts in thirty days!