Interesting thread, particularly this time of year, as it is the Jewish New Year and period of Atonement. I was reading up on forgiveness earlier today, and according to Jewish belief (or my understanding of it anyways) is that the transgressor must ASK for forgiveness in order for it to be granted. And, when it is asked for, the injured party is obligated to grant forgiveness.
25years, I bring this up because this version of the concept of forgiveness seems to match the story you posted above. Both parties asked for forgiveness, and it was granted.
But in other posts, you speak of giving forgiveness freely, even when it is not asked for by the transgressor. I do not know enough about Christian beliefs to speak with any authority, but this is a decidedly different model of forgiveness. I'm curious about thoughts on both versions... and also, is "forgiveness" the precise word when the transgressor has not apologized or asked for forgiveness? Or is there another concept which is more accurate?
Not sure why I am waxing so philosophically at the moment, or jumping on a thread randomly, but here I am, and I sincerely don't mean to ruffle feathers... just thinking a LOT about forgiveness (both granting it to, and asking for it from others) this time of year. And looking to hear lots of perspectives.
