“Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.” (Lord’s Prayer)
We often do not forgive, because we don’t know how. We don’t know what forgiveness is. Forgiveness is NOT Forgetting. When you really do forgive, you will continue to remember what people did, you just won’t be distressed or relive it over and over again. To forgive and forget is foolish. If you forget someone is violent, nasty, destructive, or untrustworthy, then you will let them do it all over again.
Prayer: Merciful God, though I cannot forget, and I dare not forget, teach me to forgive so that I can live in peace and joy today. Amen
Adapted from books and videos by Episcopal Priest Rob Voyle who has written and counseled extensively in Christian forgiveness. http://www.clergyleadership.com/faculty/robBio.cfm