“Love” and “forgive” != “nice”. In fact, although the term “tough love” has been over used, sometimes the best thing you can do for someone involves being “mean”. Continuing to be “nice” (as in accommodating) to someone who is self destructive is called “codependency” (another overused word).
Loving someone does not require letting them abuse you and then telling them, “It’s all right.” If someone steals your eggs you can forgive but you need not put them in charge of your hen house. Sometimes love means holding someone responsible for there actions. It’s not about punishment, it’s about them learning that they cannot expect to do that without consequences.
Forgiveness requires that the perpetrator be truly repentant. Some people (my ex and my brother) never were… and they have both passed on, so NOW I can forgive them.
I believe that how we treat other people matters. One can treat others with respect and kindness even when disagreeing with them or informing them of wrongs that they have done.
While Ruthie is not always “nice” she does treat others with respect and kindness most of the time. She needs to work on her bossiness a bit… but she is still just a child.
Lewreader: “…as we forgive those who trespass against us” is just another expression of the Golden rule, “Do to others as you would have others do to you.” It’s a universal rule of wise living, beyond its religious associations.
It means: Forgive others at least as many times as you would want others to forgive you when you’ve screwed up and hurt them, and want to make it right…even when, with the best intentions of your better nature, you keep doing it over and over.
Nobody ever said it was easy, but it’s the most civilized way to live – and if you’re a believer, it’s a commandment.
I think Ruthie’s level of understanding the Golden Rule, the Great Commandments and the example of Jesus is just fine.
She’s age-appropriate, golden-hearted, and totally human.
I say, Good for her!
COWBOY7 over 14 years ago
More people should think as you do, Ruthie! You are special.
GROG Premium Member over 14 years ago
So do I, Ruthie.
lewisbower over 14 years ago
I have trouble with “as we forgive those who trespass against us.” Wish I could get it.
ninmas over 14 years ago
“all sanity is lost.”
stuart over 14 years ago
“Love” and “forgive” != “nice”. In fact, although the term “tough love” has been over used, sometimes the best thing you can do for someone involves being “mean”. Continuing to be “nice” (as in accommodating) to someone who is self destructive is called “codependency” (another overused word).
carmy over 14 years ago
Quit your hatin’, little man, James.
alviebird over 14 years ago
Loving someone does not require letting them abuse you and then telling them, “It’s all right.” If someone steals your eggs you can forgive but you need not put them in charge of your hen house. Sometimes love means holding someone responsible for there actions. It’s not about punishment, it’s about them learning that they cannot expect to do that without consequences.
vldazzle over 14 years ago
Forgiveness requires that the perpetrator be truly repentant. Some people (my ex and my brother) never were… and they have both passed on, so NOW I can forgive them.
1148559 over 14 years ago
I believe that how we treat other people matters. One can treat others with respect and kindness even when disagreeing with them or informing them of wrongs that they have done.
While Ruthie is not always “nice” she does treat others with respect and kindness most of the time. She needs to work on her bossiness a bit… but she is still just a child.
peter0423 over 14 years ago
Lewreader: “…as we forgive those who trespass against us” is just another expression of the Golden rule, “Do to others as you would have others do to you.” It’s a universal rule of wise living, beyond its religious associations.
It means: Forgive others at least as many times as you would want others to forgive you when you’ve screwed up and hurt them, and want to make it right…even when, with the best intentions of your better nature, you keep doing it over and over.
Nobody ever said it was easy, but it’s the most civilized way to live – and if you’re a believer, it’s a commandment.
freeholder1 over 14 years ago
I think we all need to figure out what 70X7 equals. :-)
avonsalis over 14 years ago
I think Ruthie’s level of understanding the Golden Rule, the Great Commandments and the example of Jesus is just fine. She’s age-appropriate, golden-hearted, and totally human. I say, Good for her!