“No, You Can’t Have My Other Cheek!”
What Holding on to Unforgiveness Feels Like
We can hold on to unforgiveness like a jewel around our neck, especially when it’s justified; we’ve been offended, maltreated, abused. And it’s really unfair!
If it helps to see the picture better, let’s recall the recent considerable offense done against us.
Okay, that’s enough.
We know we can sue the person, and win the case with our strong evidence. Mercy calls out, and it is too tempting to yell back, “No, you can’t have my other cheek!” because we need to deal with hurt and bitterness as we are reminded of the offense.
“Unforgiveness is like drinking poison yourself and waiting for the other person to die” and “Forgiveness is a choice.” We have heard these clichés and brushed them off in the past — until it is our “rights” that are being taken away from us. “Just forgive” — indeed, this is easier said than done!
Yet, at the moment when we seem to have made up our minds to avenge ourselves, our conscience haunts us like a ghost. We argue, “Why am I the one being troubled when it seems fair to sue? What’s the use of these courts and public attorneys if they don’t defend my rights?” (Insert loud wailing.)
