In his book, Mere Christianity, CS Lewis makes some simple yet powerful observations about forgiveness.
“I said in a previous chapter that chastity was the most unpopular of the Christian virtues. But I am not sure I was right. I believe there is one even more unpopular...this terrible duty of forgiving our enemies.
Every one says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive, as we had during the war (WWII). And then, to mention the subject at all is to be greeted with howls of anger...'I wonder how you'd feel about forgiving the Gestapo if you were a Pole or Jew?'
So do I. I wonder very much. Just as when Christianity tells me that I must not deny my religion even to save myself from death by torture, I wonder very much what I should do when it came to that point. I am not trying to tell you...what I could do -- I can do precious little -- I am telling you what Christianity is. I did not invent it. And there, right in the middle of it, I find 'Forgive us our sins as we forgive those that sin against us.' ...what are we to do?
When you start mathematics you do not begin with the calculus; you begin with simple addition. In the same way, if we really want...to learn how to forgive, perhaps we had better start with something easier than the Gestapo. One might start with forgiving one's husband or wife, or parents or children...for something they have done or said in the last week. That will probably keep us busy for the moment...."
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
- Do you agree with Lewis' suggestion that forgiveness is one of the hardest Christian virtues?
- What 'small' things can you prayerfully ask God to help you forgive?
Mere Christianity is a book every person should have in their library.