3 Powerful Thoughts on Forgiveness

As we work with patients and families and seek to facilitate forgiveness when that issue arises, it is always good to have to have reference points that give you as the Chaplain a means to offer guidance.  As a foundational starting point, explore these thoughts.  More posts on forgiveness will follow.


…When we dare to look at the myriad hostile feelings and thoughts in our hearts and minds, we will immediately recognize the many little and big wars in which we take part.  Our enemy can be a parent, a child, a "friendly" neighbor, people with different lifestyles, people who do not think as we think, speak as we speak, or act as we act.  They all can become "them."  Right there is where reconciliation is needed. Reconciliation touches the most hidden parts of our souls.  God gave reconciliation to us…

~Henri Nouwen

The Judeo Christian Scriptures affirm that the chief end of sacred writ is to guide us into love. A road block to that destination is the incessant search for what is wrong with our community, co-workers, friends, family, neighbors and the world. We get lost in this and become part of the problem. How can I claim to love God, if I do not love people? Perhaps we should strive to welcome people and give them a measure of unmerited favor.  This is the evidence of love; this is our guiding principle: the healing presence of GOD.-Guillermo Escalona

“As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn't leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I'd still be in prison.” ― Nelson Mandela

How do these statements inform your chaplaincy?