Times Forgiveness

Sari Russo

PEOPLE can say sorry when they believe they committed a crime. However, if the victim of the crime has not grieved their hurts and forgiven, it does not matter how many times sorry is said, nor whether reparations are made. The only thing the victim will feel towards their perpetrator is hurt.

They are looking to find relief from the pain they are suffering. The hurt may have happened years ago, but to that person, it is the same as if it just happened yesterday, as they are still in the throes of it in their heart.

They may even keep sharing their hurt story repeatedly because that is all they can identify with; for them, it is all they can see.

How do we bring healing to the victim when all they see is their hurt and pain?

The answer is not to say any more sorries, nor is it to give more compensation. The victim needs a supportive environment to air their grievances. A place where they feel heard and grieve the loss they felt as a victim.

If you know a person suffering from pain they need to grieve, please be the person to whom they can run. Let them share their pain without judgement. Let them heal.

Community is better when we support each other and grow together.