What Forgiveness Is NOT

We all have to forgive someone, sometime. As humans, we simply can't bear the burden of a grudge for long. But are we sure what forgiveness is?

Today, Fr. Chris Alar, MIC makes it crystal clear what forgiveness is—and is NOT—and how you can give and receive it today.

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[valsummerfield]

This is helpful to me. I have been struggling with the thought of forgiving meaning "are things supposed to go back to how they were?" Because I can't because that person surely will hurt my feelings again. But I do want to forgive in my heart. I do not gate anyone. Thank you

[baltareyes]

Im an atheist but I watch this lessons because they are just so wonderfully wise

[janmcsween]

God absolves us. I once had a priest say “forgive” instead of “absolve” in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. I checked with another priest and did a re-do. Absolution is forgiveness plus mercy. Absolution breaks the ties and restores the relationship that was broken and bound.

[SAD-ijin]

Thank you, father! I've been struggling because I can't forget something but when I look at whether I want revenge, the answer is no. I actually do wish my enemy good will.

[margueritelangton]

Forgiving can be very difficult - but we can ask Jesus to HELP us to forgive! Praise God!

[corazonreyes]

Thank you so much Fr.Chris.God bless and protect you and your family.❤❤❤

[jacquelinelarsen]

I have a friend who is a protestant and I gave her the Bible verse about confessing your sins but she said that it doesn't say "to a priest". I told her Peter was the first pope and she said Catholics made all that stuff up. I just don't know what else to tell her. I did mention that well you trusted the Catholic church to put all the scriptures together to make the Bible as we know it and to determine what was Holy Spirit inspired and what was not. She couldn't argue with that!

[parysethibodeau]

"forgiveness is a gift you give yourself"!!! sometimes its so hard but pray to God for the strength to forgive. Love these videos by Fr. Chris Alar - he's such a holy priest!!!

[AllanKoayTC]

exactly what i needed to hear at this time when i have so much anger in my heart towards someone

[JohnR.T.B.]

Yes, to be able to forgive others, no matter what, is to be very close to the heart of Jesus Christ.

[nellennatea]

This is what we need as leaders of our nations. Awesome caring words said to us like this is said to us. Thank you Father.

[Ftmyersbeachlizard]

When we forgive someone we acknowledge that that person did us some harm and that we simply let God sort it out and we get to let it go. O want to add that I have had four major major RIP offs in my life...by four people who hurt me terribly...I have no idea if I've forgiven them but it still surely hurts every single day...and I don't want revenge.

[unapequeñaalma]

Thank you for the final blessing, Father.

[buckeyeguy]

Thank you father for explaining this, it's what I needed to hear.

[tlng]

I’m scared now if I don’t forgive-
I don’t want to lose my salvation! 😆

“I absolve you.” - my Favorite part of confession!

[alexrcanez]

Father, please forgive us for our sins. We need to be free of everything. I surrender everything to You, My Lord. Please save us.

[mrstrongable]

I love my brother Chris Alar. A great Marian priest in my opinion.

[heathsavage]

I really needed this clarification. Thank you Father.

[michelleharkness]

fwiw - a family counselor once said that the opposite of Guilt is Forgiveness. Since guilt is purported to be fear combined with worry I would imagine that the experience of forgiveness is an amazing feeling of well -being, peace and joy. If we can do this for others we can also do this for ourselves, thanks to the great sacrifice of Jesus on the cross for our big and small transgressions. Thank you, Jesus. Again, thank you 🙏

[paula]

Such a great help and explained so clearly, THANKYOU