2007-01-10 10:43:59 · 18 answers · asked by Glenda J 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
To forgive, one must understand, no?
2007-01-10 11:02:57 · answer #1 · answered by Cyber 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is no necessary linkage between the two.
I don't need to understand someone to forgive them, as forgiveness is a willful and active choice that is often done without full understanding of all the facts involved in the offense.
Sometimes understanding makes forgiving more difficult. For example, it is easier for a man to forgive an unfaithful wife if he DOESN'T understand that she thinks he has a small penis, and that someone else was more satisfying in bed.
The only thing that one must 'understand' in order to forgive is that no one is perfect and we all need a little grace sometimes. "Let him who has no sin throw the first stone." Someone cool once said that.
2007-01-10 19:50:32 · answer #2 · answered by Jeffrey B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is not. Forgiveness is freely given, you cannot earn it or buy it. If you could we could earn forgiveness from God. How could you ever do enough or earn enough to pay God for the death of His son, Jesus? You Can't! That is why forgiveness, a result of the perfect love that God has for us, is a free gift. It is the greatest gift we can ever have whether we are recieving it or giving it. When we forgive others it is in word and in spirit, never just in word.
Does it make any sense that God would forgive us for the atrocities and rebellion we have done to Him? No it does not. That is why understanding is not related to forgiveness, only the acceptance or rejection of it.
2007-01-10 19:28:07 · answer #3 · answered by David R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you forgive, you understand that the person must have had reasons for what (s)he did to you (or whatever (s)he needs to be forgiven for). You also understand that (s)he is a mere human, and hence, mistakes are inevitable, even by you. You understand that when you make, you'd wish to be forgiven, and so you forgive the person at least because of that.....
At least, that's my understanding of it. It's a good question, though; something to think about.
2007-01-10 19:03:04 · answer #4 · answered by ♡♥ sHaNu ♥♡ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
True forgiveness requires nothing but a gracious heart.
You do not begin to understand how a drunk driver struck your loved one, or how a sniper hit someone you knew with a random bullet.
On the lighter side of life, you probably don't WANT to know why your best friend slept with your main squeeze or why your husband continues to forget about that stupid toilet seat.
You will never know why your pet doggie just LOVES to pee on your favorite chair or why your little brother keeps hiding all your Barbie clothes.
2007-01-10 19:05:39 · answer #5 · answered by wolf560 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you understand why the offense occurred, then true forgiveness can be granted. When you know true forgiveness you attain a better understanding.
2007-01-10 19:02:17 · answer #6 · answered by rezany 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm not sure I see a direct connection there. Mostly I see forgiveness related to fellowship. As long as there is no forgiveness there is no fellowship, and therefore forgiveness of ourselves by God. If we do not forgive others God does not forgive us.
2007-01-10 18:54:34 · answer #7 · answered by oldguy63 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If someone does something that causes you to be angry at them to forgive them you must first understand why they did what they did. Hope it helped.
2007-01-10 19:16:39 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you understand somebody's motive for doing you harm, it's easier to forgive. and if you can forgive, you understand yourself a little better. so keep forgiving!
2007-01-10 18:55:15 · answer #9 · answered by gabriela 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you understand why someone did that to you, it might be easier to forgive.
2007-01-10 19:00:23 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋