Forgiveness Is Not Easy

St. Peter faced the same gnawing dilemma we often find ourselves in when it comes to forgiveness.  "How often must I forgive?" (Mt 18:21).  Jesus says "not seven times, but seventy times seven." (Mt 18:22).  Seven meant indefinitely, so seventy times seven stresses the Always and Forever of indefinitely.  Easier said than done.  We find ourselves holding on to the hurt, imprisoned by the memory that won't evaporate, sometimes even hardened and cold toward the offender.  It takes prayer and a decision to "let go" and let God do the healing.  This prayer, often entitled ANYWAY might help:
People are often unreasonable and self-centered—forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives—be kind anyway. If you are honest, people may cheat you—be honest anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow—do good anyway. Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough—give your best anyway. In the end, it is between you and God—it was never between you and them, anyway.
Bro. Rene