100%. Forgiving someone who has wronged a third person is a meaningless act at best, and a waste/abuse of forgiveness at worst. For example, a mother who has lost a child to murder can forgive the murderer for the pain he/she caused the mother after the loss of her child, but she can’t forgive the murderer for the act of murder of her child. Only the child can do that and he/she is gone. That act can no longer be forgiven, except by God. Fine lines. We’re on the same page, lj, for better or for worse 🙂
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Yes indeed, and as usual, very clearly stated, thanks!
I spent some time a few years ago going over people who had harmed me (sadly, a long list) and in my heart forgave each one. Then did the same thing, asking for forgiveness, of each person I could remember harming - ones I still had contact with I did on phone/email etc. It was very helpful for me.
But I could not forgive anyone who had harmed my children or others I know. Their job.
Luke 23: 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
The soldiers did not ask for forgiveness, yet it was given.