...and oneself:
John at Blogotional explains what unconditional love really is. (as distinguished from unconditional approval)
...and others:
A beautiful story related by Martha Anderson at The Point about a woman who forgives her torturer. She goes to him with a cat rescued from children who were abusing it and evokes from him an apology. When asked why she forgives him, she answers (paraphrase):
Because when I saw what those boys did to this cat, I knew that we all are capable of doing what you did to me. Because I don't want to be what you were, I don't want to do to you or others what you did to me or what those children did to this cat. (emphasis in the original)
Many of us may not realize the destruction we are capable of, not just because we have developed self-control and a pur(er) heart, but because we have never been pushed to a certain point, by circumstances. Which is why we must never assume that any person is beyond repentance: you never know what a measure of compassion and forgiveness might accomplish.
From Mark Earley of Prison Fellowship:
Most prisoners understand the mistakes they have made. But rarely do they know how to change. Worse, they don't think anyone cares enough to HELP them change.The sad part is, they're nearly right. In a society that scoffs at Christ's power to transform and reconcile, few people are willing to help these broken men and women.
Visit Prison Fellowship's website to learn ways you can help.
