HOW CAN WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO HURT US?

The Church Fathers give practical advice on how we should think about the pain caused by others, and why it is necessary to confront our anger.

[sjrnhntrlnd]

I was raped and tortured at age six, was heavily bullied, and my oldest brother was murdered when I was 13. As a Christian of 25 years, I've learned to forgive those who hurt me and my family. Doesn't happen overnight, but God will help if you ask. May God's grace and mercy be upon you all.

[sulajkovski]

I have been struggling with this question for decades. In the end, I have simply concluded that God told us to forgive, and it is good for us to do as God told us. That doesn't mean we agree with someone's crime or that we support someone's sin. It is up to them to repent their sins, and up to us to protect ourselves from their sins.

[debralittle]

Father, I'm Catholic, but Iove listening to you. You teach in a way that is simple and easy to understand, yet you bring the message right home to our hearts. Ty for teaching us and blessing us.

[antonkirani]

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.
Thank you for your words Father.

[generalnguyenngocloan]

Many times if someone does not forgive, they seek vengeance. The Japanese of old had a saying, “revenge is like a thick forest, once you enter, it’s hard to find your way out”.

[NJP]

I easily forget this lesson. It is the sin of pride. Thank you Fathet Spyridon.

[bw]

I am not orthodox, there aren't many options available here. But I listen to you every night before I go to bed. I appreciate what you do very much.

[alexandrasymeon]

God said, "Vengeance is mine."

[TruthPerspecive]

Today is forgiveness Sunday. Lord have Mercy on me who have fallen.

[growingwealth]

I'm Catholic and this is the most vital sermon on YouTube. Period. The refusal to forgive is the ONLY thing that locks you in Hell for eternity. Many NDEs of Christ helping ppl escape Hell but His hands are tied in this situation. NDEs prove it!

[nbinghi]

The Orthodox Church is the hospital for the soul. I knew I wanted my heart to be healed so I could eventually forgive an abusive father. It's a process, and bit by bit the healing comes from attending and immersing yourself in the Divine Liturgy over time.

[hueylongeverymanaking]

Wow this came right on time, blessed be the name of the Lord🙏

[saint]

Forgiveness is the core of our faith. It is the foundation of Christianity. Without forgiveness. It's all in vain.

[mcrdl]

This is ME, ME, ME! Thank you for this incredibly important homily- Fr. Spyridon!

[merrycute]

God be with us those who has hearts hard to forgive.

[Unxpekted]

Perfect timing, I have been unequally yoked with an athiest partner. I am Syriac Orthodox, she just left me after seven years because I didn't sign a lease where she lives where I was only given 3 days to do (ultimatum). I am heart broken but putting my faith in God and Christ for healing. I know his plan is better than mine.

[RetreatfarmFarmvilleVirginia]

I Think this is one of the most strongest of Human natures challenges. It is something that we definitely need the Holy Spirit's guidance to fight the Natural urges of hatred, revenge and ultimately violence. It's the Ultimate example of Forgiveness and the most rewarding when we succeed. I'm struggling with this myself and even though i've forgiven the person and moved on, Satan continues to bring up the issue in an attempt to tempt me to go back on my forgiveness promise. It is not easy. Prayer helps a great deal.

[jamestregler]

Wandered longer than the Israelites Father, but thanks be to GOD I am free in Christ 😇

[jarrettmiller]

I've been struggling to forgive a deep betrayal by my father that left our extended family broken and my immediate family bankrupt and nearly homeless.
Our parish priest shared this thought with me.
Pray for their forgiveness as a way to start forgiving them yourself.
Pray similar to Christ on the cross "Forgive them for they know not what they do."
So often the actions that others do that cause us harm are not done out of malice toward us, but our of selfish desires for themselves.
So they may truly not know what those actions do to us.

[ml]

Thank you. As I was asking God how to forgive my husband of some things, your notification came up and stopped me dead in my tracks of God’s grace and kindness towards me. I will pray and ponder this direct message, understanding (through wisdom) that my harboring resentment and inability to forgive is eternal. The hurt I experienced is temporary. Profound!! Thank you again🙏