We are told that forgiveness
will heal our soul and
help us find peace. For so many of us resentment can be so strong that it can
impede our ability to forgive.
Imagine then the power
of the words of Robbie Parker, the father of one of the children who was killed
at Sandy Hook Elementary School.
Parker offered
comfort and forgiveness
to the family of shooter Adam Lanza, saying “I want you to know that our love
and support go out to you as well.”
Parker understood
that forgiveness did not mean that he condoned what was or that he are absolving
the perpetrator of responsibility for his actions. He understood that the family
of the shooter was suffering the loss of a mother and a son and he was reaching
out to comfort them.
We certainly could understand
parents who cannot imagine reaching out to the family of the shooter while they
themselves are in the depths of despair. Sometimes it is very hard to forgive.
Sometimes the wrongs are so pernicious and the wounds so painful that
forgiveness seems impossible. We can all
hope and pray that the parents of these innocent victims will learn to relieve
themselves of the burden of being a victim--let go of the pain and transform themselves
from victim to survivor.
Forgiving the
unforgivable is a journey with its sight is set on GOD. GOD
has offered forgiveness not just a command but also as a healing. By making the
difficult choice to forgive we are freed from the burdens of bitterness, anger,
and isolation.
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