Posted by Doug Showalter on January 04, 1998 at 03:29:04:
In Reply to: ill will/hatred posted by Jenny on January 03, 1998 at 15:37:54:
Dear Jenny,
I don't mean to imply that one can, at the same time, both hate and abandon all feelings of ill will toward a person who injures us. As your comment implies, that is contradictory. My point about feelings of hatred is that they may well be part of our initial response to a serious injury. If we do have such feelings, I think it is healthier for us to admit that to ourselves, than to try to cover them up and deny them.
When we are honest about our negative feelings, then I believe we can more effectively enter in upon a journey to forgive, which will eventually dispell those negative feelings.
Please post again, if you still have a question. I wish to be clear. Forgiveness is a very complicated topic.
Best wishes,
Doug Showalter