Editorial January 25, 1982 Issue

The opportunity to forgive

WILLIAM E. MOODY

If we are criticized or unjustly wronged, what is our response? Resentment, self-justification, hurt feelings ...?

When we are not directly involved in such a situation, it is much easier for us to realize how fruitless such responses would prove to be. We know, for instance, that to be resentful toward someone who has wronged us is itself a wrong—eventually causing greater suffering and grief.

A more subtle human reaction to criticism and unjust wrongs may assume the form of a silent, mental reservation—holding out for some sort of compensation, waiting for restitution or repayment of the "debt" that one believes is owed him. This is also fruitless—and without healing.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit

The opportunity to forgive

We'd love to hear from you!

Sign up for unlimited access