Alive Quote by Lewis B. Smedes
“When we forgive someone, we do not forget the hurtful act, as if forgetting came along with the forgiveness package, the way strings come with a violin. Begin with the basics. If you forget, you will not forgive at all. You can never forgive people for things you have forgotten about. You need to forgive precisely because you have not forgotten what someone did; your memory keeps the pain alive long after the hurt has stopped. Remembering is the storage of pain. It is why you need to be healed in the first place.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Art of Forgiving, 1995
Forgiveness requires remembering the hurt; forgetting undermines true forgiveness and healing.
In simple terms: Remember to forgive, not to erase.
Key Takeaway
Keep memory, heal heart.
Themes
forgiveness
memory
healing
Mood
reflective
hopeful
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- therapy
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
psychology
emotional resilience
Questions to Reflect On
- Can you forgive without remembering?
- How does memory aid healing?
A Different Perspective
Forgiveness may be hindered by lingering resentment.
