Forgiveness

For my entire life, I've heard forgiveness to be equated with letting people "off the hook," issuing pardon, or simply deciding to stop being angry with someone. Some forgive as a self deluded demonstration of superiority. Some talk about forgiveness because it's a trendy topic. I guess that kind of forgiveness is better than no forgiveness at all. Consider that in the absence of judgment or condemnation, what need is there for forgiveness? I think the meaning of forgiveness has in large part been lost. I think of Jesus's new commandment, "Love one another as I have Loved you." True forgiveness is the First and Second Commandment and the Prayer of St. Francis in a single word. Such forgiveness doesn't see offense, doesn't judge or issue pardon, but instead recognizes the need and call for Love behind the "sinful" actions, then to the extent possible, provides the Love, nurturing and problem resolution the situation calls for. True forgiveness may call for some hard work, and liberation of self from the psychic bond with the "offender" that occurs with non-forgiveness, is a valid goal, forgiveness that takes a form that nurtures healing, is the quintessential sharing of Love.