Through some recently, challenging life experiences, Liz has come to believe there is a difference between mercy and forgiveness. Forgiveness, she explains, has a power differential - one person is better than the other person and bestows the gift of their forgiveness. Mercy comes from a place of equality. We are all flawed human beings in need of grace, in this journey together. We give mercy and accept mercy, from a place of humble non-judgement. (This does not mean we allow people to harm us in the name of mercy, she says. Sometimes we need to love and forgive from a safe distance.)
Several days ago, I was listening to a discussion between Buddhist teacher Tara Brach and writer Elizabeth Gilbert.
Through some recently, challenging life experiences, Liz has come to believe there is a difference between mercy and forgiveness. Forgiveness, she explains, has a power differential - one person is better than the other person and bestows the gift of their forgiveness. Mercy comes from a place of equality. We are all flawed human beings in need of grace, in this journey together. We give mercy and accept mercy, from a place of humble non-judgement. (This does not mean we allow people to harm us in the name of mercy, she says. Sometimes we need to love and forgive from a safe distance.)
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AuthorTarn Wilson is the author of the memoir The Slow Farm and numerous essays. You may read more of her work at tarnwilson.com. Archives
September 2020
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