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Quote by Lewis B. Smedes

“I have discovered that most people who tell me that they cannot forgive a person who wronged them are handicapped by a mistaken understanding of what forgiving is.”

Quote by Lewis B. Smedes

Author

Lewis B. Smedes

Lewis B. Smedes was an American author renowned for his theological and philosophical writings. Born in 1921, he made significant contributions to the fields of ethics and spirituality, with a particular focus on themes of forgiveness and reconciliation. His work has had a profound impact on both religious and secular audiences. more

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“God is the original, master forgiver. Each time we grope our reluctant way through the minor miracle of forgiving, we are imitating his style. I am not at all sure that any of us would have had imagination enough to see the possibilities in this way to heal the wrongs of this life had he not done it first.”

Way Firsts Done Enough Imagination Style Possibility Masters Forgiveness Miracle Originals Forgiving Heal This Life Minors Reluctant Imitating

Book:Days of Grace Through the Year

Source: Days of Grace Through the Year

“A wise judge may let mercy temper justice but may not let mercy undo it.”

May Justice Wise Judging Forgiveness Mercy Let Me Temper

Author:Lewis B. Smedes

“Forgiving is an affair strictly between a victim and a victimizer. Everyone else should step aside...The worst wounds I ever felt were the ones people gave to my children. Wrong my kids, you wrong me. And my hurt qualifies me to forgive you. But only for the pain you caused me when you wounded them. My children alone are qualified to forgive you for what you did to them.”

People Should Children Kids Pain Felt Hurt Steps Worst Forgiveness Victim Forgiving Affair Wounds My Children Wounded Qualified

Author:Lewis B. Smedes

“I am certain that people never forgive because they believe they have an obligation to do it or because someone told them to do it. Forgiveness has to come from inside as a desire of the heart. Wanting to is the steam that pushes the forgiving engine.”

People Believe Heart Desire Certain Forgiveness Forgiving Obligation Engines Steam Never Forgive

Author:Lewis B. Smedes

“Not even God can make something fair out of what is intrinsically unfair. Only one thing can be done. Something must break through the crust of unfairness and create a chance for a new fairness. Only forgiveness can make the breakthrough.”

Done Chance Break One Thing Forgiveness Fairs Fairness Unfair Breakthrough Break Through Unfairness

Author:Lewis B. Smedes

“God invented forgiving as a remedy for a past that not even he could change and not even he could forget. His way of forgiving is the model for our forgiving.”

Way Past Forget Models Forgiveness Forgiving Remedy

Author:Lewis B. Smedes

“How many times should you forgive your household bruiser? You should not even think about forgiving him. Not yet. Not as long as he has his foot on your neck. Your problem at this point is not forgiving. Your problem is how to get out of his reach. Once you get away from him, you can think about forgiving him.”

Thinking Should Long Problem Feet Forgiveness Forgiving Necks Get Away Household Not Forgiving

Author:Lewis B. Smedes

“Forgive a wife-slammer if you can. But you don't have to live with him. Forgive a husband who is abusing your children if you can. But only after you kick him out of the house. And if you can't get him out, get help. It's available. In the meantime, don't let him near the kids, and don't let anyone tell you that if you forgive him it means you have to stay with him. [There's an important difference between forgiving a person and tolerating their bad behavior.]”

Ifs Mean Children Persons Important Helping Kids House Differences Wife Husband Behavior Forgiveness Our Children Forgiving Available Your Children Kicks Bad Behavior

Author:Lewis B. Smedes

“I believe there are more films that involve love and forgiveness than violence, but they often seem fake and are almost embarrassing to watch.”

Believe Seems Film I Believe Watches Violence Fake Embarrassing Love And Forgiveness

Author:Park Chan-wook

“Forgiving does not usually happen at once. It is a process, sometimes a long one, especially when it comes to wounds gouged deep. And we must expect some lapses...some people seem to manage to finish off forgiving in one swoop of the heart. But when they do, you can bet they are forgiving flesh wounds. Deeper cuts take more time and can use a second coat.”

People Heart Long Doe Sometimes Use Seems Happens Time Process Cutting Forgiveness Forgiving Deeper Flesh Wounds Manage More Time Coats Theologian Lapses

Author:Lewis B. Smedes