Well, I’d say, just from experience, that even the ugliest of the ugly infractions need to be forgiven. I’ve got a sister ... well, I won’t go into it, but remember, the people that hurt you the most are the ones that are really hurting themselves. Forgive them in your heart if they don’t ask for it on their own (also I think Confession is really good in this regard) and then pray for them if you can ... that’s what I’ve done, and it’s taken a lot of pressure off of me and is no longer a distraction like it used to be, so I can live my life with more joy ...
I’ve gotten over the pain. I no longer care about this person. I have written her out of the human race.
The pain is gone, truly. But the scars remain. It’s only when the topic of revenge comes up that I even remember.
mlizzy, I’m so glad you wrote that. I have a sister who tried to convince my elderly parent that I snuck into his house and stole a figurine from him; who pointed out my every flaw and weakness to my parents, who begrudged me every tender moment with my parents, and who recently tried to get hospital staff to document that I am a detriment to my dad’s health.
I will ponder your thought that she is really hurting herself. I still love her for the life we shared together as children and our shared memories; but I find it hard to love her in the present. It’s gotten to where I just want to stay away from her. I’m constantly on guard when I’m around her, waiting for the next blow.
Would it be forgiveness if I pray she has a great and happy life- a thousand miles from mine?