Forgive and you will be forgiven

Loving one's enemies goes against the grain, so to speak.

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It is well-nigh unnatural and almost humanly impossible, especially for the Jews in Jesus’ time who lived under the oppressive domination of the Romans.

It persists to be very difficult even in our own situation and time, especially if the offender does not acknowledge his/her wrongdoing, or if the offender persists in his/her wrong course of action or evil ways.

In his “Sermon on the Plain,” Jesus exhorts his disciples and the crowd to respond to the offender and to the oppressor only in positive ways—to offer the other cheek, to walk the extra mile, and to give one’s cloak.

Beyond all these positive actions, forgiveness must reign in one’s heart. But we bestow forgiveness to the enemy not as an act of mercy and condescension on our part.

As forgiving persons, we do not style ourselves as bighearted, magnanimous, or a great person.

Jesus is asking us to go one step higher in giving forgiveness by helping people uncover their self-worth usually encumbered by self-hatred. In forgiving our oppressors, we help them feel good about themselves and open to them the opportunity towards healing and transformation.