The greatest example of fear I've personally seen, is when others are unable to forgive, or lack the compasson to emphatize with others. On the surface these people may appear stubborn or difficult, but if you look closely, it really is fear.
Many consider compassion and forgiveness acceptable when it's applied to people they love or know well. But when those same qualities are applied to those who hate you, or have tried to harm or betray you in some way, people consider it a weakness, and they feel a sense of entitlement to hold a grudge. What do you think about this? When you know the cause of unforgiveness is fear of appearing vulunerable or weak, does that affect how you view the other person? Does that make you have more compassion for them? Thanks.
2007-01-25 13:55:14 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
That should have been: empathize.
2007-01-25 14:12:15 · update #1
Yes forgiveness does benefit the person who is doing the forgiveness. However, by your forgiveness and love of those who have hurt you, that is also a testimony of God's Power, and could soften their hearts today, or in the future. If it does not, or if you are not a Christian, forgiveness and compassion does not cause others more pain. People who live in fear are hurting, and it is beneficial not to add to that pain.
2007-01-25 14:34:57 · update #2
The second part of my message wasn't worded correctly. I was typing and listening to the news at the same time. Sorry about that. :)
2007-01-25 14:36:03 · update #3
I agree entirely with you! It takes a whole lot more maturity and compassion to forgive some one that it does to hold a grudge. When a person forgives, they demonstrate qualities of strength of character which many people don't possess. Similarly, when a person displays a meekness often society confuses this quality as weakness however, this is far from the truth. Meekness is a quality and remember in the Bible where Moses went up before Pharaoh and demanded that he let the people go? The Bible describes Moses as the meekest man of all but he was certainly by no means weak.
2007-01-25 14:34:31 · answer #1 · answered by mandbturner3699 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
*Actually compassion and forgiveness benifits the person giving it instead of the person who is being showed compassion and forgiveness. If we do not forgive, and let hate eat on us then we get sick and our bodies and minds do not function well. look at any people you know who hate and hold a grudge and you will find they usually have health problems later in life. Hatred destroys the hater and unless they act out that hate effects the hated very little. Again I say unless they act out that hatred. I am hated by many and it effects me very little except when i have to endure a cussing and then i get over it quickly. Just as long as they do not hit me I am okay.*
2007-01-25 14:16:56 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many people find it hard to say or believe such things, that's why the sometimes admire or are jealous of those who can.
A person who can't feel compassion or forgive is a person who has his mind "tied up", unable to find the peace inside their hearts
To forgive, to apologize, to comfort, to love even to accept needs special spiritual and emotional characteristics or strength to make and unfortunately there aren't many who have this strength and overcome their darkness.
2007-01-26 23:35:51 · answer #3 · answered by Faust 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Very well put. When being forgiving or compassionate it's considered an opening for some unGodly person to take advantage of you. But in reality it takes a lot more courage and strength than anything else.
2007-01-25 14:12:31 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It has been my way of doing things that I simply feel sorry for people who are not able to forgive and forget as the Bible tells us to do. When people are unforgiving, hate me, or have tried to harm or betray me as you say in your letter, I notice how they are behaving, but I don't let it bother me. Praying to the Lord Jesus will give you strengths you never knew you had.
2007-01-25 14:20:59 · answer #5 · answered by rubyred 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Christian are considered weak.
Forgiveness is considered weak.Today if you don't have a "me #1" attitude your weak.You're suppose to hate and dispise the poor(not have compassion).Yes,it takes more courage toforgive your enemy then to hang on to your hate and unforgiveness.
2007-01-25 14:22:31 · answer #6 · answered by robert p 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
"We love, because He (God) first loved us." (I John 4:19)
You can't give what you never had. As a Christian I have come to realize the only way I can love and forgive in an unselfish manner, is by realizing that is what God first did for me, in the sacrifice of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
2007-01-25 14:28:11 · answer #7 · answered by William F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are right. He who does the Will of God is very very strong, although people around may think that he is weak. And why bother about false judgements?
2007-01-25 14:18:28 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I totally agree with you. You have much wisdom. Not many people are able to understand this.
2007-01-25 14:19:40 · answer #9 · answered by Renee 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋