Forgive and Forget!
We are often required to forgive our offenders and equally
forget their injuries to us. Well, we can forgive and forget depending on the
injury caused.
If the body/flesh was injured, there is the possibility that
we would forgive and forget if the injury was a genuine accident. Such as playground
injuries or other injuries which were unintentional. The Mind tends to forget
these types of injuries.
But an injury, which the Mind constantly remembers, though may
be forgiven; will never be forgotten. This type of injury may be visible and/or
invisible. This is the injury caused to the body and to the Soul. Although the body
does not remember invents, the Mind does.
Slavery and Colonialism are examples of injuries to the body
and the Soul. They will never be forgotten because their psychological effects
remain in our communities. And so, it is very difficult for African Americans
to forget the devastating effects of slavery in their respective lives.
Injustice is another example of an injury that will never be
forgotten. If you take away someone’s rights because he/she is perceived to be
weak, an orphan, a widow, or out of any other selfish reason; don’t expect that
person to forget the injury or even to forgive you.
Most times, religious people, especially Christians,
propagate this idea of forgive and forget. But their bible didn’t state that they
should forgive their offenders and forget the offence. Jesus said; “And forgive us our trespasses as we
forgive those who trespass against us” (Mt 6: 12)
Even the Christian bible stated in Genesis 6: 5; “And GOD
saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every
imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”
If Genesis 6: 5 represents God’s thoughts about Man, then it
is evident that God is warning people here not to forget injuries.
Forgive? Yes! But don’t forget because there’s the
possibility that Man will repeat his offense, remember; “…the thought of [Man’s]
heart was only evil continually.”
And this is the reason why governments of the world maintain
criminal records, because of repeat offenders.
Thus, when Abraham Lincoln said “Forgive your enemies, but
don’t forget their names”; I totally agreed with him.
Finally, as we say Happy New Year to each other remember
that injuries caused to the body and the soul will never be forgotten, and may
not even be forgiven.
Think before you offend anyone. Happy New Year!!!!
~ liberate your mind