«Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me» (John 15:4).
Every time we pluck a grape, it tears. There’s no way not to «hurt» it. But the moment we break its balance is not necessarily bad; it’s the moment when greater sweetness is distilled. Although it seems to die, it actually gives life.
There’s a phrase I’ve always liked, «Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.»
I looked everywhere to find who said it, but there’s no consensus; there are a lot of versions. I think that throughout history some have arrived at the same conclusion and, in different contexts and languages, have discovered a universal truth: it’s worthwhile to forgive.
Our world lacks that sweetness and fragrance that only come from the fruit that is joined to the true Vine. Forgiveness is not a synonym of submission, resignation or repetition, but it can mean a greatness that relieves burdens which are both heavy and invisible and that changes certain paradigms, not only in your life but also in the life of whoever receives it.
By forgiving, we are a little more like Jesus, and nothing bad can come from that.
However, it’s very important to remember that, although God tells us to forgive, it’s not always possible or necessary to restore a relationship. Some relationships are affected and are harmful to one or both parties, and it is healthier not to continue with them. But it’s always good to forgive, even if others don’t acknowledge their mistakes or ask for forgiveness.
Forgiveness is a divine gift we can receive and give, one of the hardest things to do on this earth and, at the same time, one of the things that grants the greatest peace. It’s something that requires we be joined with God.
If we try to produce it ourselves, it won’t be the same. Our way of forgiving often implies resentment and later punishing the other person, or allows continued mistreatment that threatens our value and dignity, both precious and non negotiable gifts as children of God. Only He can help us find a balance and forgive and love as much as He forgives and loves. That’s why we should remain in Him.
Let’s pray for God to help us distill that sweetness that comes from forgiveness.
