Forgive and Forget

[Lucy89]

Hey guys! I just want to know if we are called to forgive and forget or to just forgive. Any info will help, thanks.

[cmotherofpirl]

We are always called to forgive someone. Forgetting however, could lead us to make the same mistake twice.

[Guest JeffCR07]

Lydia, God Bless,

There are, in my mind, two points that should be understood here. First, the "literal" answer is that we should forgive alone. As Cmom said, it is always possible to learn from our mistakes, and the mistakes of others, and so to better ourselves as catholics, however, if we truly "forget" then we lose what otherwise might have been gained.

However, if we are less literal and look more to the intent of the phrase "forgive and forget" then we see that the saying is just trying to illustrate that it is not enough to simply say "I'm sorry" but that in addition to saying these words, we must also be forgiving in our actions (ie, not bring up the subject constantly in conversation, or let it be known that we are bitter about the offense). If we understand "forgive and forget" to simply mean "forgive in your words and your actions" then of course we should "forgive and forget."

Hope that helps some!

- Your Brother In Christ, Jeff

[phatcatholic]

Jeff.............i always appreciate your insightful respones make sure you check out the FBC room for the new groupings (in the "clean house" thread)

[Guest JeffCR07]

lol, ok, I'll be right over!