Bitterness Quote by Lewis B. Smedes
“Forgiving is tough. Excusing is easy. What a mistake it is to confuse forgiving with being mushy, soft, gutless, and oh, so understanding. Before we forgive, we stiffen our spine and we hold a person accountable. And only then, in tough-minded judgment, can we do the outrageously impossible thing: we can forgive.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Forgiveness and Freedom, 1995
True forgiveness requires firm accountability and strength, not mere indulgence; it is a difficult but powerful act.
In simple terms: Forgiveness needs strength and accountability.
Key Takeaway
Forgive with firm boundaries.
Themes
forgiveness
strength
accountability
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- Conflict resolution
- personal relationships
- self‑reflection
Key Concepts
Moral psychology
personal growth
Questions to Reflect On
- What boundaries are needed before you can forgive?
- How does accountability shape forgiveness?
A Different Perspective
Forgiving without accountability may enable harmful behavior.
![“Today is [the feast of] Santa Rita, Patron Saint of impossible things - but this seems impossible: let us ask of her this grace, this grace that all, all, all people would do good and that we would encounter one another in this work, which is a work of creation, like the creation of the Father. A…” quote by Pope Francis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/436/pope-francis-85_amen_today-is-the-feast-of-santa-rita-patron_288044.jpg)
