What then is forgiveness?
What then is forgiveness?(close)
Surely there is no forgiveness without love
and no love without forgiveness.
Can we only offer forgiveness, if the offer is accepted
and remedial action taken
OR
is forgiveness unilateral,
acceptance of others as they are, warts and all ?
Forgiveness can stem from the self-righteous
a gift from sinner to forgiven, leaving obligation
as does a gift from rich to poor, master to slave.
Forgiveness can be a tool of the powerful,
manipulating and controlling the forgivable;
those whose sins, guilt, can be exploited
Love lies not in such forgiving
but in acceptance of another as they are,
valuing them as they are. Unchanged.
This is the loving option;
the way of divine love that Jesus offered;
freely accepting and loving all people,
valuing them as they are.