There is not a person in the world who has not been wounded by the wrongdoing of another.
Each of us, in one way or another, to one extreme or another, has been wronged by someone in word, action, or thought.
We have all been tainted by another's shortcomings.
This is our truth.
***
There are no innocent people when it comes to wrongdoing.
Each of us, in one way or another, to one extreme or another, has wronged someone in word, action, or thought.
We have all tainted others, and been tainted by our own shortcomings.
This is our truth.
***
If I cry out for mercy and forgiveness for my wrongdoing and yet, refuse to extend mercy and forgiveness to a person who has wronged me, I have compounded my wound, and dealt a wound to my enemy as well.
For how would I feel if God or another refused mercy and forgiveness to me?
***
In the cycle of wound and retaliatory wounding, my ego becomes fortified. I bolster myself with pride and anger, so much so, that I do not realize what I am doing in perpetuating the cycle.
When denial sets in, my retaliation (wrongdoing) becomes right and is justified because my woundedness has been elevated to a higher position than a human.
Unforgiveness strips the offender of their humanity; they are now only an enemy. It is easier to retaliate with harm to an enemy than it is to retaliate harm to a man or woman.
The statement, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing," is no less true today than it was when Jesus cried it out from the cross.
All pain comes from an offence, albeit real or perceived.
All forgiveness comes from loving others as we love ourselves.
There is not one person who is innocent of wrongdoing.
Love and forgive yourself anyway.
Love and forgive others anyway.
And that is mercy.
***
When wounded remember:
• Love is a choice. It is helpful to remember I am loved by others. From that place of strength, I choose to love the one who has wounded me. It is a process.
• Mercy is a choice. To be willing to extend mercy, it is helpful to remember any mercy I have ever received prior to the offence. It is a process.
• Forgiveness will always be a choice. And yes, it is good to remember the times when I, too, have wounded another, and had to ask for forgiveness. It is a process.
Relationships are a process of interaction. No one is perfect. We have all erred. We must all remember humility as we interact with others.
***
If a person is in an abusive relationship, they do not have to stay in that relationship for love, forgiveness, and mercy to be extended to the abuser.
Taking care of yourself and your children is not an offense, no matter what the abuser says.
Do what you have to do to be safely away from harm. Allow the process of forgiveness to begin from a safe place.
You are worth being safe.
You are worth having a peace-filled life.
Love & peace to all.
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