“We forgive, we mortify our resentment; a week later some chain of thought carries us back to the original offence and we discover the old resentment blazing away as if nothing had been done about it at all. We need to forgive our brother seventy times seven not only for 490 offences but for one offence. ”
Analysis
In this quote by C.S. Lewis, he speaks about the difficulty in truly forgiving someone. He emphasizes that forgiveness is not a one-time act, but rather a constant process. Lewis uses the example of forgiving someone for the same offense multiple times to illustrate the ongoing struggle of letting go of resentment. This quote highlights the internal battle we face in truly forgiving others and emphasizes the importance of continuing to forgive, even when it is challenging. Lewis suggests that forgiveness is not just about the act of letting go of past wrongs, but about actively choosing to release resentment each time it resurfaces.
Understanding Forgiveness in a Modern Context
In this quote by C.S. Lewis, he highlights the complexity of forgiveness and the challenges that come with truly letting go of resentment. In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, forgiveness can be even more difficult to achieve and maintain. With the constant bombardment of information and interactions, it is easy for old resentments to resurface and for grudges to linger. Lewis's words serve as a reminder of the importance of constantly practicing forgiveness and letting go of past grievances.
Forgiveness in Practice
C.S. Lewis eloquently captures the struggle of forgiving others in his quote. Regardless of how many times we try to forgive someone, it can be challenging to let go of our resentment. Lewis emphasizes the importance of continually forgiving others, even for the same offense, in order to truly move past the hurt.
Reflection Questions
Reflecting on forgiveness and the idea of forgiving someone multiple times for the same offense can be a challenging concept to grasp. Consider the following questions to deepen your understanding and reflection on this quote by C.S. Lewis:
- Have you ever experienced holding onto resentment or anger towards someone even after trying to forgive them?
- What do you think it means to forgive someone seventy times seven times for one offense?
- How can you apply the idea of continual forgiveness in your relationships and daily interactions with others?
- How does holding onto resentment impact your own mental and emotional well-being?
- In what ways can practicing forgiveness improve your relationships and overall sense of peace and inner healing?
Similar quotes
“Jesus tells Peter to forgive seventy times seven times, not because the person we forgive will it that many times, but because resentment can have such a grip on our hearts that we need to forgive that often for our own healing.”
“We do not tell old friends beneath our roof-tree that they are an offence to the eyesight.”
“If we can forgive what’s been done to us . . .If we can forgive what we’ve done to others . . . If we can leave all of our stories behind. Our being villains or victims. Only then can we maybe rescue the world.”
“Forgiveness is the real strength in us all. Once we give up the need to be right, we discover freedom. Forgiveness is freedom. Forgiveness comes from our highest self. Once we can open our hearts and forgive, we move to the next level of who truly are.”
“If we can forgive what has been done to us . . .If we can forgive what we've done to others . . .If we can leave all of our stories behind. Our beingvillians or victims.Only then can we maybe rescue the world.But we still sit here, waiting to be saved. While we'restill victims, hoping to be discovered while we suffer.”