Four hundred ninety

70 x 7 =?

A simple mathematical equation that reminds me of how many times I have to forgive somebody whom I perceived has done something wrong against me. But honestly, doing it in real life is quite difficult because forgiving isn’t as easy as solving that simple arithmetic problem presented above.

Nobody is holy; I’ve even inherited a sin from our fore parents which means I have had it since the time I was conceived. With this, I feel guilty to be uncompassionate to someone who’s admitting his or her own fault and, to deny my pardon to an apologetic offender, especially if it is done publicly.

Thru a phone call, the power of my ballot was stolen in the May 2004 presidential election, but the equation above simply implies that the theft still has another 489 chances for me to be patient and for her to be forgiven. (More stories here.)

The past Australian parliament had once decided to seize the children of the natives thereby depriving them of growing up with their own culture, but the federal and state governments can still enjoy the remaining 489 times of exoneration. (More stories here.)

Countless men and women have been sexually assaulted by some members of the clergy, yet undeniably, the church possesses and at the same time teaches that we should grant our brethren the limitless opportunity of absolution. (More stories here.)

A world-renowned golfer has committed adultery and admitted his sexual relationships to more than a dozen women; luckily he still has more than 39 dozens of opportunity to be understood by his family, friends and fans. (More stories here.)

The British 'child migration scheme' in the 1920's-1960's sent an estimated number of 150,000 children to Australia without the consent of their parents thereby painfully tearing those families apart... but the kingdom still has 489 chances to make up with each of these victims. (More stories here.)

Assessing the sincerity of the remorse as the transgressor expresses an apology is very subjective, most especially to the one who has been offended because of the complexities of the prejudices involved. Objectively, when the offender refrain from doing the same mistake for a lifetime, only then can one conclude that he has genuinely repented. But in the case of ‘addiction’ of any immoral, illegal or anti-religious acts, genuine repentance is more likely unachievable!

But then again, I should not judge; I should not condemn. I should love my neighbours; I should love my enemies. I should forgive so I shall be forgiven. It is worthwhile to note here that according to the University of Wisconsin, happier and healthier people are those who forgive. (More...)

Lucky are those who are forgiven, they have all the opportunity to be happy and be healthy, as well. They are being freed from all the horrifying punishments and restitution entailed because of their shortcomings.

Forgiving a person who's asking an apology isn't the end of the story. The question if they have forgiven themselves of the guilt they've inflicted in their own heart and mind after committing a mistake as well as the shame of doing a public apology (if needed) and, above all, if they have asked for and received the divine forgiveness that they surely need are now beyond my control. Of course, I am a sinner, and I know that I also need the same.

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