Virtue: forgiveness

‘The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.’ (Mahatma Gandhi)

Habits of Mind: Listening with Understanding and Empathy

On the altar of the ruins of the old cathedral in Coventry (which was bombed by the Luftwaffe in WW2) are carved the words ‘Father forgive’. Originally some people had wanted it to read ‘Father forgive them’. However, in recognition of the need for forgiveness for all in times of conflict and that none of us is without fault or ‘sin’, the words carved were simply ’Father forgive’.

The message of Coventry Cathedral is one of forgiveness and reconciliation, which are necessary steps before peace can be gained, either on a personal or international level. Forgiveness entails recognition of one’s own weaknesses and acknowledgement of the ‘why’ behind the actions of those we seek to forgive. While the people of Coventry suffered greatly from the bombing, they knew too of the common fate of Dresden through similar bombing raids which led to the twinning of the two cities. The people of both cities consequently played a part in the rebuilding of their cities, building bridges between the communities and forging friendships.

The ability to empathise is central to enabling forgiveness and it is indeed a virtue and an attribute ‘of the strong’. Only the strong can admit to their own weaknesses and vulnerabilities and be forgiving of the weaknesses and understanding of the vulnerabilities of others.

It is hard to forgive, that is why in Christianity it is considered a ‘divine’ attribute because it doesn’t come naturally to us. As we travel through the season of Lent, Christians often seek to prepare themselves for Easter through personal reflection and ‘soul-searching’. Knowing our own weaknesses and flaws as human beings makes us less able to maintain simple distinctions between the ‘righteous’ and the ‘wicked’. It can also help make us less judgemental and more forgiving as we approach the hope and joy encapsulated in the Easter story.

Christine Crossley