​Step Seven, Part 2

Choose to forgive those who hurt us in the name of religion.

Let’s look at what is probably the most difficult religious abuse that an individual would need to forgive, a religious leader that sexually abused us or our children. I don’t have personal experience with this issue, but I’ve met a few people who have. If we can forgive under these circumstances then it seems all other transgressions pale in comparison.

Since I don’t know, and I hope I never have to experience sexual abuse to my family or a close friend, I can’t tell you how I would react. I hope at some point I would make peace with the past and find it in my heart to forgive. I know that I would never forget the incident, and that I would do everything in my power to see that no one else could be abused by this individual.

One thing I am sure of, my emotions would be overloaded, and my anger would be nearly uncontrollable. Rage, hatred, thoughts of murder would certainly come to mind. How to find forgiveness among all those raw and painful emotions certainly requires more strength than I think I am capable of.
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Some people don’t think forgiveness is much of a miracle, but I do. When people are able to forgive and even accept the one who attacked them (or their child) as still a person of value is beyond natural ability and demonstrates the power of Divine Love expressed in our humanity. Forgiveness is a miracle, and one of the most important, yet difficult, miracles we can give or receive.