"Forgiveness, The Way To Freedom" . . .

To forgive another person
from the heart is an act of liberation.
We set that person free from the negative bonds
that exist between us.
We say, "I no longer hold your offense against you"
But there is more.

We also free ourselves from the burden
of being the "offended one."
As long as we do not forgive those who have wounded us,
we carry them with us or, worse, pull them as a heavy load.

The great temptation is to cling in anger to our enemies
and then define ourselves as being
offended and wounded by them.

Forgiveness, therefore, liberates not only the other
but also ourselves.
It is the way to freedom for the children of God.

Henry Nouwen