Forgiveness is a gift

Forgiveness is a gift
it is not earned
A pardon may be earned
unlike the gift of forgiveness

Forgiveness is not pretending
that a wrong hurtful act(s)
did not occur

It is grounded in reality

Forgiveness does not erase consequences
though it may alter the course of consequences
both for the forgiven and forgiver

It makes room for a new direction

The God who forgives
does so not academically
from a distance
He enters in
with the undeserving
and calls them,
calls me by name
calls you by name

Forgiveness is an intimate offering

Forgiveness is not about
the enforcement of the law
or about the dictation of
what the consequences
"should" be

It is unjust

Forgiveness is mercy and grace
to the undeserving

Forgiveness brings healing

Forgiveness requires courage
of the giver in gifting
mercy and grace
to the undeserving

Forgiveness requires courage
of the undeserving
to accept unmerited
mercy and grace

I need to continue
learning
practicing
expanding
offering
experiencing forgiveness
in both the
giving and receiving