The only authority he claims for himself is the authority of compassion.–Henri J. M. Nouwen, The Return of the Prodigal Son
WRITING PROMPT Being aware of our own failings makes it easier to grant authentic forgiveness. Think and journal the following questions:
Do I take time each day to reflect upon the “evil I have done” or the “good I have failed to do”?
Do I receive another’s request for forgiveness well? Or do I brush off their request with a “it is nothing” or otherwise try to smooth over the awkward moment? Write about how self-forgiveness might improve the ability to offer authentic, sincere forgiveness of others.