Religion
In reply to the discussion: I have been criticized for calling Christianity a shortcut religion. [View all]Peaceful Protester
(280 posts)(Luke 6:37)
Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.
(Matthew 5:43)
You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.
(Abraham Lincoln)
"We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic cords of memory will swell when again touched as surely they will be by the better angels of our nature."
(Martin Luther King Jr.)
Forgiveness does not mean ignoring what has been done or putting a false label on an evil act. It means, rather, that the evil act no longer remains as a barrier to the relationship. Forgiveness is a catalyst creating the atmosphere necessary for a fresh start and a new beginning.
Forgiveness allows us to keep things in perspective, remain at peace, and heal. It can also facilitate a change in the character of the perpetrator. Material things can be replaced, and our laws can allow for just treatment of both parties.
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