What if I can't forgive?

[Madolaina]

What If I can’t forgive? Will i remain separate?

A family member has been murdered. The perpitrator has been arrested and will be facing a jury trial. He has gone to confessional privately, proclaimed his innocence publically (self-defense). If he has been forgiven why can’t I accept this. I freely confess my sin of ill will but can’t get past it. I can’t give up the sin in my heart…I can’t forgive him. I feel so unworthy of God’s garce and mercy but I still harbor these feelings. I know this hatred is wrong but I just can’t forgive. Advent is beginning…Christmas…Mass…what will I do?:imsorry: I just feel so angry and alone and lost.

 

[Fr.Vincent_Serpa]

Dear friend,

We can’t will our feelings. Forgiveness is an act of the will. If you want to forgive, then you will forgive regardless of how you feel. Feelings of hatred do not mean that you hate so long as you don’t want to have such feelings. You have confessed your sin. Now ask the Lord to make up for your lack. He will give you His peace if you want Him more than anything. You are in our prayers.

Fr. Vincent Serpa, O.P.