Forgiveness
Posted by Cheryl on September 22, 1997 at 16:50:24:
In response to More about Helen Burns, written by Amy on September 22, 1997 at 16:31:26
] I guess Helen knew she wasn't going to live to adulthood. Sad, like Beth March.
] I know she taught Jane some useful ways to think of her situation that probably got Jane through some rough times, but I'm like Jane in having trouble with turning the other cheek and can't help but agree with Jane's take on the world as I read some of the earlier dialogs between Jane and Helen.
] Example:
] "But I feel this, Helen: I just dislike those who. whatever I do to please them, persist in disliking me; I must resist those who pu nish me unjustly. It is as natural as that I should lvoe those who show me affection, or submit to punishment when I feel it is deserved."
] "Heathens and savage tribes hold that doctrine, but Christians and civilized nations disown it."
] "How?" I don't understand."
Besides, with this creed, I can so clearly distinguish between the criminal and his crime; I can so sincerely forgive the first while I abhor the last..."
The trick is to be able to feel this way about those not our relations. I struggle with this all the time and rarely succeed, but I am trying. Imagine the peace of not having to carry around all that hate and resentment! I hope to get there someday, but I have a very long way to go.
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