Can you forgive...?

Question

and forget? THis is from a human standpoint, not God's. I know that HE forgives and then forgets. But it is unreasonable for to ask someone to forgive and then forget what happened. I have been having this same discussion over and over with my beloved spouse. He says that he has forgiven some members of our family for saying cruel things, but he will never forget. I just want to hear what others have to say about this. AND whoever wants to answer is fine, but only serious answers please. Thank you in advance....

Answer 1

I can forgive but forgetting means scraping off part of the brain that stores incidents, but with God I believe its possible and through His power He can make us forget. But as Christ said our knowledge is limited to comprehend all this stuff. Even the meaning of the word "forget" to us is inadequate remembering that there is the book of records in heaven kept from when the first foundation was laid. How God does the whole process is beyond my imagination, just believe, have faith and trust.

Answer 2

I don't think forgetting is necessary for forgiveness but, the fact that he says he will NEVER forget doesn't sound like he has even forgave yet. Sometimes a person can't forget because the wound left such deep scars (the killing of a loved one for instance). A person can still forgive and if they can not forget then they must ask God to forget for them and then if they still can't forget they must assume that there is a reason not to forget. Maybe there needs to be some vigilance around this person ... who knows?

Answer 3

When a person wrongs you, you have two choices -- hold the grudge or forgive them. Either way, they've produced an emotional response in you, and in some way thus have control over you.

Better then to live a life where you cannot be wronged, where you acknowledge the causation of everything for what it is. Then there is no need for grudge or forgiveness, and one remains wholely in control of their own emotions.

Of holding a grudge, giving forgiveness, or not needing to do either... I'll stick with that last one myself.

Answer 4

I believe that you should forgive but not forget. Its just life experiences. If someone ransacks your home and steals everything you own, you might forgive that person but you wouldnt forget. You would just add extra security to make sure it doesnt happen again. Forgive but don't forget.

Answer 5

I think you expect too much if you expect people to forget. Forgiveness is hard enough when the hurt has been grievous, no one forgets. If they say they do, then they have a mental problem or a memory disorder.

Answer 6

I believing in forgiving but not forgetting. I don't want to forget anything. It's our experiences that make us who we are, even the bad ones.

Answer 7

yes God does Forgive & ends the matter, but he also does remember, (Hebrews 10:26) 26 For if we practice sin willfully after having received the accurate knowledge of the truth, there is no longer any sacrifice for sins left. . .

remember we're imperfect humans, forgetting is something hard for us to do

Answer 8

I can't choose to forget. you'd have to take a special drug for that, and I don't like the sound of injecting chemicals into my brain, do you? the more you try to forget something, the more you remember

I think when people say that they mean "don't obsses about it" cuz if someone lied to you thrity years ago, and you've been preoccupied, you'll likely forget it

Answer 9

We should forgive but never forget.

Answer 10

Prov 4:23
23 Above all else, GUARD your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.


Prov 4:23
23 Guard your heart above all else,
for it determines the course of your life.