And love Quote by Lewis B. Smedes
“Forgiving is love's toughest work, and love's biggest risk. If you twist it into something it was never meant to be, it can make you a doormat or an insufferable manipulator. Forgiving seems almost unnatural. Our sense of fairness tells us people should pay for the wrong they do. But forgiving is love's power to break nature's rule.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Gift of Forgiveness, 1994
Forgiving is an act of love that defies fairness, risking vulnerability but breaking the cycle of retaliation.
In simple terms: Forgiveness is love’s hardest, most risky work.
Key Takeaway
Choose forgiveness to heal, despite fear.
Themes
forgiveness
love
justice
Mood
empathetic
thoughtful
Type
spiritual
self‑help
When to use this quote
- relationship counseling
- conflict resolution
- personal growth
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
vulnerability
ethical paradox
psychological healing
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you forgive without becoming a doormat?
- What boundaries protect you while forgiving?
A Different Perspective
Forgiveness can enable abuse if boundaries aren’t set.
