Forgiveness comes with justice?

[peggy_sue]

A couple of years ago I hurt a friend deeply. I committed a terrible sin. I told her I was sorry, but she felt it was a half-hearted apology. She must still be in great pain today, because I received a very nasty letter from her…sent certified and four pages long. At the end of the letter she wrote:

With God, repetence - forgiveness comes with justice.

What is she talking about? I thought forgiveness is a result of mercy, not justice. Can somebody help me out?

 

[Joysong]

Dear Peggy Sue,

Forgiveness can be authentic and genuine, flowing from a heart filled with mercy. Yet there remains a consequence of our actions that we often must bear in spite of having been forgiven and having repented. The scriptures bear witness to this.

While your friend no doubt forgave you (let’s hope so!), it does not follow that her forgiveness means automatic restoration of the friendship. Many times the injury is just insurmountable, because trust has been destroyed. I suppose the meaning of “justice” in this case, means there can be no resuming of relations between the two of you.

I hope this helps you.

Carole