Forgiveness

'If there is something to pardon in everything, there is also something to condemn.' - Friedrich Nietzsche

Since I think Mom is the only one reading this blog, I'd like to start with an apology that this may not be my typical cheery or at least non-negative posting. Something happened today that made me think about how I am so easy to forgive. I'd always been taught that it was 'better' from the Godly perspective, and in general I believe it is 'healthier' to forgive. I know usually when I do forgive I feel a weight lifted. So I know it's the 'right' thing to do. But what I'm starting to notice is that the same people are forgiving the same people who are doing the wrongs over, and over, and over again. Is that really 'healthy' or 'better' or 'right'? If I were a psychologist, I would say 'no'. By forgiving the same person for their same irresponsible mistakes is almost like saying 'it's okay you did this awful thing, so please do it again'.

I'm not saying that we should not forgive any mistakes, and I'm definitely not saying I don't make mistakes. But if one person continually and intentionally does things that negatively affect other people's lives...at some point....shouldn't that person 'run out' of forgiveness opportunities?

- m