Editorial October 23, 1978 Issue

Comfort for parents who think they've failed

Naomi Price

There is forgiveness for everyone. It is not the divine will that any should suffer endless condemnation or self-condemnation. God provides those who break the Commandments with a means of forgiveness by revealing to them His love and the perfection of His universe, thus leading them to repentance and the abandonment of sin. He also provides a way of escape from feelings of guilt for those human beings who mercilessly condemn themselves for damage they believe they may have inflicted on others, either wittingly or unwittingly.

"I can't help blaming myself," a mother may lament when she thinks of an afflicted child or one who lacks self-discipline. Perhaps she holds herself responsible for his handicaps or delinquency because of some prenatal or natal injury, or her later lack of wisdom in rearing him. "How can I ever forgive myself?" another may say as he thinks of someone who has been injured through his carelessness or lack of judgment.

Self-condemnation for damage one has done—or believes one has done—to someone else is often harder to subdue than the condemnation one may feel for others who have apparently harmed us. Yet we must forgive ourselves if we are to help bring healing to the situation.

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