Thank you for helping us understand that it is okay to have boundaries to prevent getting hurt. Releasing debt and loving them by giving them to Jesus for his grace to help them is the greatest love we can show to honor God.
First step of forgiveness is praying for the person who has hurt you. I’m starting my process of forgiving friends who has hurt me so much. I’m not sure if we are friends anymore, but i wish for the best for them,
"With God's grace, I'm gonna set you free"...It takes a very strong act of the will because every inch of your soul and body may not be up for such a heroic act, that's why it takes God's holy grace to be a saint.
I've been struggling lately with forgiveness and what it really means or entails. I used to always think that it meant that you had to continue to be around those that had hurt you to let them continue to do so again. I've really been struggling with this. I feel bad when I think about my past relationships with people and that I don't talk to these people anymore. Thinking 'is it CHRISTIAN of me to not talk to these people anymore. If I have forgiven them why don't I want to be around them anymore'. But this video kind of touches base on that. Just because I've forgiven someone does not mean I have to continue to let these people hurt me. I don't have to stand for it. I don't have to be not hurt by it from time to time. It means that I no longer let their actions control me and my life. That they don't owe me anything and I don't owe them anything. Freedom. That's what it means.
Yeah I've been wrestling with a similar issue for a long time now. I know in my heart this person who hurt not just me but my family is still evil and unrepentant and wants to come in my front door and hurt me again -- am I supposed to let her in? So far, I haven't, but I've felt guilty about it, mainly because I'm not clear on what Christian forgiveness can be. Forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting what this individual did, we can never do that. But it's about letting it go, mainly for our own sake. We really have to, don't we.
forgiveness is a trait that evil people use to maintain their grip on ruling over their pray.... a man asks a budha, "will you forgive me for anything? no matter the crime?" the budha replies "yes" the man asks "do you have friends who will do the same?" the budha replies "yes i do" The man replies "okay, you go get them ill go get my saw and we can start sawing hands off, since you will forgive and since i take enjoyment from such activities we can all enjoy our time" so he kept of cutting hands while good people done nothing.
I have struggled with the 70 times 7 for many years and thought it meant I should stay in contact with my brother who was so abusive and continues to be that way, but Fr Schmitz clarifies it, and says not, we are right not to trust anymore, we just forgive the debt of kindness that they owed us and pray for them.
Today I learned my oldest sister is in ICU, I went to see her despite great differences in our past, because I felt it was the right thing. I was refused access by her family. I know it was her actions that caused the issues in our past but I feel better about myself for having gone and made an effort.
Isn’t her family your family? You did the absolute correct thing. You can walk with your head high. Pray for her soul do not allow bitterness to set in. Pray for yourself too. 💖
Thank you Fr.Mike, I'm going to forward this to my daughter. She is facing great difficulties/torments by her Mother in law, and I don't want her to lose hope, or despair or become bitter and turn away from our Lord. Please pray for her and plead with our Blessed Mother to wrap her arms around her and comfort her. You see, she is very far and I haven't seen her in 2 years.
Your poor baby girl. I will include you all in my prayers. She can pour over this woman with kindness or she AND her husband need to have a sit down and ask how your daughter “offended” the M-in law. The husband needs to be St. Joseph here and stand with his woman no matter what. St. Joseph was going to quietly divorce Mary until the angel explained everything. No husband should allow this type of pain at the hands of his own “loving” mother. Pray to St. Monica or St. Ann, I will too. 😢🙏🏻✝️ I didn’t realize this was 2 years ago. May the Grace of God have solved this with your daughter and husband. Prayers.
Father Mike, thank you for all of your informative videos. I was raised Lutheran and I married a Catholic. I’ve been attending a Catholic Church for 12 years. I’ve even attended and helped put on the Christ Renews His Parish program at our parish. I am not opposed to converting, but I always wanted to do it because I felt it was the right thing to do for my relationship with Jesus Christ and my faith, not just because my wife is Catholic. I enjoy going to Mass and have grown in my faith and continue learning each day on my journey. I appreciate your videos and the way you explain questions and subjects of the Catholic faith. God bless you!
I saw Father Mike in the Minneapolis-St Paul Airport a few weeks ago. I told him how impactful this video was for me a couple years ago. Thanks Father.
Thanks father. I am guilty of making the mistake of restoring the relationship after forgiving - you're right - maybe it's wiser to forgive and release the relationship because they can't be trusted.
I can’t even begin to tell you Father how much this explanation has meant to me, it has been freeing to say the least. I truly believed that to forgive someone who hurt me, I needed to once again have a family member who has verbally and physically abused me, back in my life. I know in my heart I have forgiven him but his random violent acts have caught me off guard more than once and I am relieved that to forgive I don’t have to be in the same room with him ever again. I have before God forgiven his debt.
Wow.. i thought, when we have forgiven someone, we should try to trust them again! Good to know, I thought I never been able to forgive others since i never could trust them anymore! Thank you so much!
For me; Forgiveness is for the self. Right now, I pray that God will give me the power to forgive myself for what I have done. I must learn from this and NEVER repeat it. I will amend what can be mended materially but it is my soul that needs Your help. God, Give me the strength to forgive myself.
I love you so much Fr. Mike. It is not easy. I am doing my best, but I feel like no matter how hard I try, I cannot keep moving forward. Please when you celebrate Mass, pray for me. I truly need it. You mean so much in my relationship with Jesus. I am overcome and totally worn out, I feel helpless and hopeless. Its such an overwhelming burden. Jesus I trust You. Amen.
Super true Father Mike... We can only forgive through God's grace... I had a big fight with someone and I was so angry that I thought it would take long for me to reconcile with her. But I prayed hard. And then maybe after 2 days I was able to forgive her already. Praise God. And thank you Mama Mary.
Father, I have struggle endlessly with this. I wanted to forgive but there was no way I could allow those I sought to pardon to return to my life. You have put this perfectly. Bless you.
Thx, Fr. Mike. Very nicely done. I have long struggled with this issue, often asking myself, "Have you really forgiven (this person)?" You've given me a different way to consider my response. I'm sure I will enjoy much greater peace now as a result. I truly appreciate it.
This may well be the most important video of all. I shall return to it. My own view of forgiveness is that it is rarely something that happens all at once, in some decisive moment. Rather, it is a decision that must consciously be made each day (or so), until it eventually becomes real. Your heart will recognize the truth of it. That being said, I went to confession as, in one instance, it was taking me years, entirely too long. Recently, I had to finally let it go with the recognition that I need to be open to God’s plan for me at any given moment. Do I believe He speaks directly, or not? I have concluded that His silence is deceptive. Actually he has something to say and wants us to act.
Four years ago, this video got me through a huge crisis where I not only had a hard time forgiving others, but also forgiving myself. Back then, I thought forgiveness meant everything you said it wasn't - that it meant I was no longer hurt, that I had to be friends with that person again, and that I had to trust them. After watching this, I was relieved of so many inner critics telling me I would never be redeemed. Thank you, Father Mike!
Thank you for another inspiring video, Father! I love that you brought up Christ's parable about the man who forgave his servant of a debt which was "more than he could possibly pay back in multiple lifetimes." It perfectly reflects what Christ himself did for us through His incredible mercy -- forgiving us a debt we could never hope to repay ourselves. Not only that, He offered HIMSELF as payment for the debt of our sins -- thus He is both Infinitely Just and Infinitely Merciful.
Best video ever. Thank you!! I've been struggling with forgiving my ex husband who walked out on me and our marriage. The cost is great to me. Rebuilding my life, finances, with no family and few friends. The anger, pain and sadness have been all consuming. I think maybe now I can forgive. Because I deserve to heal and move forward.
Wow, Fr Mike has a different perspective on how to forgive than I thought it would be. I have forgiven my mother for what was done to me, most has been a result of life time remifications. The lack or inability to resolve my own issues sooner as a responsible adult, I have forgiven myself. I was able to see the brokenness in my mother, see her as more than just my mother, but also a person who was damaged, hurting from childhood trauma. It doesn't excuse her actions. But it explains her inability to see beyond her own self and pain. She was an alcoholic and a narcissist. I wasn't free from her clutches until she died. It took me 5 yrs to let go and forgive her. To finally not have pain when I think of her. I can remember her now with love and think of the good times that we did have. I have embraced her inner child and her adult side and said I love you. You did with what you had. I was an adult for 30 yrs of our time together. So I had choices too. We were both broken, but in the end I took total care of her for two yrs in her home when she became w/c bound until she died at home w her family. ❤️
Of all the bible, one of the verses I always come back to is Matthew 6:14-15; For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. It is easier said than done, but Fr. Mike puts it in very understandable terms, and there is a difference between forgiving and forgetting.
Thank you so much for this Father. I have been struggling with this for years. When it is not one person I trust, it is another who at the least expected moment hurts me it seems. The most recent person to really break my heart was a close family member. I don't know that you'll even ready this, but I hope somehow you know how much your words help people. I truly believe I can hear what God asks of us when I listen to your videos. Keep up the great work and stay encouraged.
Once again a very well done message, Fr. Mike. You described using other words the thing that too many incorrectly believe (I myself used to believe it) and that is that old phrase "Forgive and forget". To forgive (with God's grace) does not mean to forget. I think that, for many of us to forget is impossible but that's why you mentioned that sometimes we have to make that decision to forgive more than once. I agree that forgiveness is one of, if not the most difficult thing for us to do as Christians. But, in the same breath I will also say that, to be on the other side of the equation, to be forgiven (our debt) is one of, no, the greatest of all things we can experience as Christians. Our debt is sin, the cross paid our debt. I also like how you explained what we mean in the Lord's Prayer "Father, don't forgive me unless I forgive my brother (or sister). Thank You, Fr. Mike. The Lord has given you a well trained tongue that you may know how to speak to us. God Bless.
Thanks Fr. Mike - I always really appreciate all of your insights, and I really like the way you defined forgiveness. It's a really helpful mindset when trying to deal with a painful romantic breakup. I like that to be able to forgive, you kind of have to admit the other person owes you something, and that you are choosing to absolve them of that - I find it's kind of difficult to acknowledge that the other person even owes you anything when you've been hurt in a breakup.
God Bless you and everyone here🌼 " Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus said unto him, I say not unto you, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. " (Matthew 18:21-22 )
Aikaterini P. I know, but does that mean you continue to let them hurt you. Is severing the relationship okay after forgiveness, or is that the “seventy time seven” you have to keep going back?
@@wendystumpf6030 that depend on the person. If God has change them , you see the change automatic in the person , that they got the grace off God and that God touch theire hearts and Holy spirit and they change as person , than yes , than you can give them a new chance . But if they did not change , they continue with the bad behavior than you need to forgive them and move on with your life. Its also about the fruit of spirit of the person self. Jesus said : Matthew 7:16-20 King James Version 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. You can forgive others but you see them by the fruit of spirit that they change a lot and if they follow jesus teaching . ☺️🌈😉
Father Schmitz, I am a very troubled person from England. Forgiveness is indeed the 'Big One'. So hard to do for those broken by others. Nevertheless, you have given me a new perspective on this terrible burden. Thank you for this invaluable help, and certainly I thank you for choosing to be a Priest. If there is even one good priest left in this world (And there are many) then Christ's church will live and breath forevermore. God Bless!
This is exactly how I feel! And it has answered so many questions for me as to why I feel the way I do. And it would be so much easier if it wasn't family. So, what is one to do when it is family that has hurt you?
It depends on what happened to hurt you, maybe Christian counselling would be a good starting point. Even within difficult or dysfunctional families, there is a lot of love, even if only on a spiritual level ie it's not seen & the person themself may not be aware of it. But it is there & all in in a family are spiritually connected - God allowed /put you all together for good reason. Perhaps the route to forgiving (& healing) of this person is a route of particular spiritual growth that God wants for you. There may be a positive to it all that can't be seen yet, maybe not seen even in this lifetime. 🙏 for you.
Thank you Fr.Mike for this. I never thought that forgiveness will feel this way. I know that by God's grace i will surpass this and forgive those people. I am praying....
Thank you for this Father. I recently had several people I thought were friends completely turn on me. This video has given me the courage to forgive them.
Good stuff Father, I enjoy hearing good practical orthodox advice that's tailored toward the modern man. Listen to you every day and your words have helped me become more Christ-like. Keep up the good work!
Thank you so so much, Father. For reminding me that forgiving and excusing is not the same thing. I've been severely struggling with forgiveness lately. I needed to hear, that I don't have to excuse disgraceful conduct to unburden myself from it. I hope I can now find some peace. 🙏
Guiding actions and thoughts yes thank you Fr. Mike Please Jesus Christ take custody of my mind take those thoughts of people who hurt me and change them in how You want me to see them through Your mercy. In Jesus name Amen.
God bless you Father Mike! I believe all the Saints and Angels keep guiding me to your videos. This morning I cried once again saying why does my ex boyfriend's family wish me so much harm after he hurt me so bad and betrayed me. I love that you said we can forgive but not trust that person again and we may still hurt and we may even need to forgive again. You always break things down and I relearn these things once again. I needed to hear this message today.
true. a friend who is non catholic tries to change me and told me to not go to my Catholic church. it was all lies yet i forgive him and i told God he didnt knew what he was talking about. by forgiving you feel peace in your heart. 😊😊😊
The Catholic faith is why I like and where I will be. God knows who is right and wrong. Many people are in favor of abortion, same gender marriage, discrimination wise. No one says anything. Only the Catholic church. The devil tempts the one who is near the Lord, this is why is our job to pray and keep praying for others, especially those who want to celibate and be with the Lord on Earth. Yet many get offended and creep out because what happens next.
As a matter of fact, This is why the Catholic church is hard to join because of all the misconceptions people bring. The devil joins between here. This is why it angers me. The Catholic church offers the Eucharist, the sacrament of reconciliation, the chapel, there are many things we are offered and the Lord's presence is felt beautiful. Oh especially when we do the first communion, cconfirmation. In this events, the hunger for the Lord grows instantly because you are part of Him. Its like getting a new beginning again after the baptism. _so beautiful_ So this is why I am not giving up, I love my faith. I asked the Lord if my friend was right to open the eyes of my heart. Indeed, after this petition I started to fall in love with the _Catholic church_ :3
Wow that's enlightening to know the forgiveness is a decision & not a feeling. And with Forgiveness follows Justice. Thank you so Father Mike for this video.
I really struggle with this because I have a strong sense of justice. Generally, even if I have been very wronged, if I see genuine remorse and guilt in the person who hurt me, it is much easier to forgive because I feel like their suffering (from realizing they did wrong) is in some way "just retribution" for what happened. I have a lot of compassion for the struggle of living a truly moral life, so I guess in that case I empathize with whoever wronged me and think of them as a brother or sister in the struggle. But when it comes to people who hurt me or others and don't care about it or even feel in the right, it is so so much harder for me to forgive. I think in these instances my lack of forgiveness is an attempt to rectify the injustice created not so much by their actions but by their lack of remorse and awareness of their evil. Perhaps praying to God to help them realize what they've done and feel the just guilt and remorse for their actions would be helpful in making it easier for me to forgive.
Greetings from Virginia! So glad to hear what you said, and stating that 'it's a decision, not a feeling' really helps. With God's grace, I was able to forgive someone who hurt me deeply. I felt a great weight off me once I had done so; it really is about moving on. Could you present a video on the quality of Mercy? I know the dictionary definition, but could you address the idea of what it means to have mercy; to receive mercy, and so forth? Thanks so much!
+Tarragon Greetings from Philadelphia! You may want to join our 4 part video study on Mercy with Fr. Mike and others. You can view it on our "Study Channel." Look for "An Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy." God bless!
For years I have struggled with forgiveness of one person and their actions towards me and the heartache and pain and trouble that they inflicted on me and people I love. In my soul I felt that I should forgive them in order to let go and let God. To be spiritually and physically and mentally closer to what God has planned for my life I KNEW that forgiveness had to take place. But I was scared. Scared that in order to forgive I would once again make myself vulnerable to the person who hurt me. I was scared that I would never be able to fully forgive them because I knew I would never be able to let go of the pain and the hurt and the fear. And if I wasn’t ABLE to forgive them then what did that mean for my relationship with God? I listen to Fr. Mike Schmitz’s Pod Cast (it’s just these videos in audio form) and this one sent a wave of relief over me (I listened to it a few times). To know that I can consciously forgive this person without having to let go of the feelings I’ve struggled with for so long. I mean they’ve made me into who I am today. I do forgive this person. They can’t help the way they are. Just like I can’t help the way their actions make me feel to this day. I don’t hate them. I release them. Thank you Fr. Mike
thank you for this video. forgiving is easier said than done. it definitely takes time before we can fully forgive. now i understand it doesn't mean to trust that person but letting go and moving on.
The thing good I struggled with I love to church 2 times Had a priest told me if you keep on Bring in the same sense we all make mistakes he said We have to keep working at it . Because of that My wife doesn't seem to want to go together as a family to mass. And she also doesn't seem to want us all to do there's kids involved I am not going to change back I learned my lesson . And my family friends they seem to not trust me because I left the church What motivates me Is the mistake that I made . Also what motivates me I want to see my kids someday and heaven When I die I want my kids to be with me and heaven We are all Catholic Family .
Once trust is broken the whole concept of trust has changed by their actions. When you are loved and respected your happiness and trust means the world to a true friend.
"Forgiveness gives us the freedom to move forward." Beautiful!!
Thank you for helping us understand that it is okay to have boundaries to prevent getting hurt. Releasing debt and loving them by giving them to Jesus for his grace to help them is the greatest love we can show to honor God.
Shall you forgive your tormentors who abuse you physically, emotionally and mentally?
I was sexual abused by my 2 aunts from age 7 to 14 and my mom never forgave them but I did. Took me many years for forgive them…
“Forgiveness isnt a matter of feeling it’s a decision
First step of forgiveness is praying for the person who has hurt you. I’m starting my process of forgiving friends who has hurt me so much. I’m not sure if we are friends anymore, but i wish for the best for them,
If you don’t talk to them, they are not your friends. ☺️
Baez is true but if you forgive someone you aren't obligated to talk to them if they have harmed you either emotionally or in some other way.
This has also helped me. Also having a deep understanding that if God can forgive me for my sins, I can forgive others!
It is also important to remain humble when forgiving.
"With God's grace, I'm gonna set you free"...It takes a very strong act of the will because every inch of your soul and body may not be up for such a heroic act, that's why it takes God's holy grace to be a saint.
I've been struggling lately with forgiveness and what it really means or entails. I used to always think that it meant that you had to continue to be around those that had hurt you to let them continue to do so again. I've really been struggling with this. I feel bad when I think about my past relationships with people and that I don't talk to these people anymore. Thinking 'is it CHRISTIAN of me to not talk to these people anymore. If I have forgiven them why don't I want to be around them anymore'. But this video kind of touches base on that. Just because I've forgiven someone does not mean I have to continue to let these people hurt me. I don't have to stand for it. I don't have to be not hurt by it from time to time. It means that I no longer let their actions control me and my life. That they don't owe me anything and I don't owe them anything. Freedom. That's what it means.
Victoria Webster I feel the same as I share some of the same struggles. This video helped me too.
Victoria Webster Beautifully said ! God bless you!
Yeah I've been wrestling with a similar issue for a long time now. I know in my heart this person who hurt not just me but my family is still evil and unrepentant and wants to come in my front door and hurt me again -- am I supposed to let her in? So far, I haven't, but I've felt guilty about it, mainly because I'm not clear on what Christian forgiveness can be. Forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting what this individual did, we can never do that. But it's about letting it go, mainly for our own sake. We really have to, don't we.
forgiveness is a trait that evil people use to maintain their grip on ruling over their pray....
a man asks a budha, "will you forgive me for anything? no matter the crime?"
the budha replies "yes"
the man asks "do you have friends who will do the same?"
the budha replies "yes i do"
The man replies "okay, you go get them ill go get my saw and we can start sawing hands off, since you will forgive and since i take enjoyment from such activities we can all enjoy our time" so he kept of cutting hands while good people done nothing.
I have struggled with the 70 times 7 for many years and thought it meant I should stay in contact with my brother who was so abusive and continues to be that way, but Fr Schmitz clarifies it, and says not, we are right not to trust anymore, we just forgive the debt of kindness that they owed us and pray for them.
Today I learned my oldest sister is in ICU, I went to see her despite great differences in our past, because I felt it was the right thing. I was refused access by her family. I know it was her actions that caused the issues in our past but I feel better about myself for having gone and made an effort.
Powerful
Isn’t her family your family? You did the absolute correct thing. You can walk with your head high. Pray for her soul do not allow bitterness to set in. Pray for yourself too. 💖
pray for me whoever reads this please... God bless ..❤️
🙏
I will pray for you God bless🙏✝️
.
Alma I pray you are in GOD'S loving hands always❤😇
Thank you Fr.Mike, I'm going to forward this to my daughter. She is facing great difficulties/torments by her Mother in law, and I don't want her to lose hope, or despair or become bitter and turn away from our Lord. Please pray for her and plead with our Blessed Mother to wrap her arms around her and comfort her. You see, she is very far and I haven't seen her in 2 years.
Your poor baby girl. I will include you all in my prayers. She can pour over this woman with kindness or she AND her husband need to have a sit down and ask how your daughter “offended” the M-in law. The husband needs to be St. Joseph here and stand with his woman no matter what. St. Joseph was going to quietly divorce Mary until the angel explained everything. No husband should allow this type of pain at the hands of his own “loving” mother. Pray to St. Monica or St. Ann, I will too. 😢🙏🏻✝️ I didn’t realize this was 2 years ago. May the Grace of God have solved this with your daughter and husband. Prayers.
Father Mike, thank you for all of your informative videos. I was raised Lutheran and I married a Catholic. I’ve been attending a Catholic Church for 12 years. I’ve even attended and helped put on the Christ Renews His Parish program at our parish. I am not opposed to converting, but I always wanted to do it because I felt it was the right thing to do for my relationship with Jesus Christ and my faith, not just because my wife is Catholic. I enjoy going to Mass and have grown in my faith and continue learning each day on my journey. I appreciate your videos and the way you explain questions and subjects of the Catholic faith. God bless you!
There's no reason you have to convert. Jesus is Jesus regardless.
I saw Father Mike in the Minneapolis-St Paul Airport a few weeks ago. I told him how impactful this video was for me a couple years ago. Thanks Father.
Thanks father. I am guilty of making the mistake of restoring the relationship after forgiving - you're right - maybe it's wiser to forgive and release the relationship because they can't be trusted.
It's not easy. Especially when you've been through trauma and abuse that ruined your life. Had to revisit this topic.
I can’t even begin to tell you Father how much this explanation has meant to me, it has been freeing to say the least. I truly believed that to forgive someone who hurt me, I needed to once again have a family member who has verbally and physically abused me, back in my life. I know in my heart I have forgiven him but his random violent acts have caught me off guard more than once and I am relieved that to forgive I don’t have to be in the same room with him ever again. I have before God forgiven his debt.
Wow.. i thought, when we have forgiven someone, we should try to trust them again!
Good to know, I thought I never been able to forgive others since i never could trust them anymore!
Thank you so much!
For me; Forgiveness is for the self. Right now, I pray that God will give me the power to forgive myself for what I have done. I must learn from this and NEVER repeat it. I will amend what can be mended materially but it is my soul that needs Your help. God, Give me the strength to forgive myself.
I love you so much Fr. Mike. It is not easy. I am doing my best, but I feel like no matter how hard I try, I cannot keep moving forward. Please when you celebrate Mass, pray for me. I truly need it. You mean so much in my relationship with Jesus. I am overcome and totally worn out, I feel helpless and hopeless. Its such an overwhelming burden. Jesus I trust You. Amen.
"what do they owe me ?" its very good question.
my sanity and future.
Super true Father Mike...
We can only forgive through God's grace... I had a big fight with someone and I was so angry that I thought it would take long for me to reconcile with her. But I prayed hard. And then maybe after 2 days
I was able to forgive her already. Praise God. And thank you Mama Mary.
Remember, forgiveness is not the synonymous with lack of retaliation
Father, I have struggle endlessly with this. I wanted to forgive but there was no way I could allow those I sought to pardon to return to my life. You have put this perfectly. Bless you.
This is GOLD. Father Mike Schmitz definitely has a way with words and is able to communicate well. What a blessing to have these videos.
Thx, Fr. Mike. Very nicely done. I have long struggled with this issue, often asking myself, "Have you really forgiven (this person)?" You've given me a different way to consider my response. I'm sure I will enjoy much greater peace now as a result. I truly appreciate it.
woah! "release the from their debt"
i love this!
This may well be the most important video of all. I shall return to it.
My own view of forgiveness is that it is rarely something that happens all at once, in some decisive moment. Rather, it is a decision that must consciously be made each day (or so), until it eventually becomes real. Your heart will recognize the truth of it.
That being said, I went to confession as, in one instance, it was taking me years, entirely too long.
Recently, I had to finally let it go with the recognition that I need to be open to God’s plan for me at any given moment. Do I believe He speaks directly, or not? I have concluded that His silence is deceptive. Actually he has something to say and wants us to act.
God brought this message back to me on today. It’s confirmation. God is so good.
I love the way you discuss forgiveness.
Thank you for sharing this thought provoking message.
Forgiveness is loving yourself. Jesus loves you.
Love you Father Mike
I even shared this with my therapist.
Four years ago, this video got me through a huge crisis where I not only had a hard time forgiving others, but also forgiving myself. Back then, I thought forgiveness meant everything you said it wasn't - that it meant I was no longer hurt, that I had to be friends with that person again, and that I had to trust them. After watching this, I was relieved of so many inner critics telling me I would never be redeemed. Thank you, Father Mike!
needed to hear this, I was abused by my oldest brother growing up and I forgave him but never really did the justice part
Forgiveness brings with it a freedom difficult to explain and you Fr. Smitz have done this beautifully. Thank you.
Thank you for another inspiring video, Father! I love that you brought up Christ's parable about the man who forgave his servant of a debt which was "more than he could possibly pay back in multiple lifetimes." It perfectly reflects what Christ himself did for us through His incredible mercy -- forgiving us a debt we could never hope to repay ourselves. Not only that, He offered HIMSELF as payment for the debt of our sins -- thus He is both Infinitely Just and Infinitely Merciful.
Well put, Mary Moser
Best video ever. Thank you!! I've been struggling with forgiving my ex husband who walked out on me and our marriage. The cost is great to me. Rebuilding my life, finances, with no family and few friends. The anger, pain and sadness have been all consuming. I think maybe now I can forgive. Because I deserve to heal and move forward.
yet it is easier to forgive those most distant who have hurt us rather than those closest to us :(
Wow, Fr Mike has a different perspective on how to forgive than I thought it would be. I have forgiven my mother for what was done to me, most has been a result of life time remifications. The lack or inability to resolve my own issues sooner as a responsible adult, I have forgiven myself. I was able to see the brokenness in my mother, see her as more than just my mother, but also a person who was damaged, hurting from childhood trauma. It doesn't excuse her actions. But it explains her inability to see beyond her own self and pain. She was an alcoholic and a narcissist. I wasn't free from her clutches until she died. It took me 5 yrs to let go and forgive her. To finally not have pain when I think of her. I can remember her now with love and think of the good times that we did have. I have embraced her inner child and her adult side and said I love you. You did with what you had. I was an adult for 30 yrs of our time together. So I had choices too. We were both broken, but in the end I took total care of her for two yrs in her home when she became w/c bound until she died at home w her family. ❤️
Thanks! Great video and much needed. Was helpful for me.
Of all the bible, one of the verses I always come back to is Matthew 6:14-15; For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. It is easier said than done, but Fr. Mike puts it in very understandable terms, and there is a difference between forgiving and forgetting.
Thank you fr.Mike.
I agree forgiveness is one of the hardest things to do. I think over time people can forgive.
Wow! This has to be the best description of forgiveness! Thank you so much Father Mike! 😇
Thank you sir. A hard lesson to learn for most/all christian, catholic or not.
I must share this, " To forgive, is to walk in stride with God, dance with the cosmos and release the hurt you never deserved!
Lisa Ann McLaren 😊💗🐞🦋
I am really proud of you Father keep it up.
I always forgive but I NEVER forget.
awesome videos Father also a Catholic. Thank you for using your gift of wisdom to speak to all of us around the world. Shout out from South Africa
Forgiveness can be difficult..but God will defined help
God will definitely help.
Thank you so much for this Father. I have been struggling with this for years. When it is not one person I trust, it is another who at the least expected moment hurts me it seems. The most recent person to really break my heart was a close family member. I don't know that you'll even ready this, but I hope somehow you know how much your words help people. I truly believe I can hear what God asks of us when I listen to your videos. Keep up the great work and stay encouraged.
Thank you, Father. This clarified a lot for me.
Once again a very well done message, Fr. Mike. You described using other words the thing that too many incorrectly believe (I myself used to believe it) and that is that old phrase "Forgive and forget". To forgive (with God's grace) does not mean to forget. I think that, for many of us to forget is impossible but that's why you mentioned that sometimes we have to make that decision to forgive more than once. I agree that forgiveness is one of, if not the most difficult thing for us to do as Christians. But, in the same breath I will also say that, to be on the other side of the equation, to be forgiven (our debt) is one of, no, the greatest of all things we can experience as Christians. Our debt is sin, the cross paid our debt.
I also like how you explained what we mean in the Lord's Prayer "Father, don't forgive me unless I forgive my brother (or sister).
Thank You, Fr. Mike. The Lord has given you a well trained tongue that you may know how to speak to us. God Bless.
The best explanation of what forgiveness is!
Thanks Fr. Mike - I always really appreciate all of your insights, and I really like the way you defined forgiveness. It's a really helpful mindset when trying to deal with a painful romantic breakup. I like that to be able to forgive, you kind of have to admit the other person owes you something, and that you are choosing to absolve them of that - I find it's kind of difficult to acknowledge that the other person even owes you anything when you've been hurt in a breakup.
Thank you Father 🙏
God Bless you and everyone here🌼
" Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
Jesus said unto him, I say not unto you, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. "
(Matthew 18:21-22 )
Aikaterini P. I know, but does that mean you continue to let them hurt you. Is severing the relationship okay after forgiveness, or is that the “seventy time seven” you have to keep going back?
@@wendystumpf6030 that depend on the person. If God has change them , you see the change automatic in the person , that they got the grace off God and that God touch theire hearts and Holy spirit and they change as person , than yes , than you can give them a new chance . But if they did not change , they continue with the bad behavior than you need to forgive them and move on with your life.
Its also about the fruit of spirit of the person self. Jesus said :
Matthew 7:16-20
King James Version
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.
18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
You can forgive others but you see them by the fruit of spirit that they change a lot and if they follow jesus teaching . ☺️🌈😉
Father Schmitz, I am a very troubled person from England. Forgiveness is indeed the 'Big One'. So hard to do for those broken by others. Nevertheless, you have given me a new perspective on this terrible burden. Thank you for this invaluable help, and certainly I thank you for choosing to be a Priest. If there is even one good priest left in this world (And there are many) then Christ's church will live and breath forevermore. God Bless!
This is exactly how I feel! And it has answered so many questions for me as to why I feel the way I do. And it would be so much easier if it wasn't family. So, what is one to do when it is family that has hurt you?
It depends on what happened to hurt you, maybe Christian counselling would be a good starting point.
Even within difficult or dysfunctional families, there is a lot of love, even if only on a spiritual level ie it's not seen & the person themself may not be aware of it.
But it is there & all in in a family are spiritually connected - God allowed /put you all together for good reason. Perhaps the route to forgiving (& healing) of this person is a route of particular spiritual growth that God wants for you. There may be a positive to it all that can't be seen yet, maybe not seen even in this lifetime.
🙏 for you.
Praise the Lord Jesus Christ 🙏
Thankyou Fr. Mike...God bless you more!
Thank you Fr.Mike for this. I never thought that forgiveness will feel this way. I know that by God's grace i will surpass this and forgive those people. I am praying....
Once again, you have helped me in an indescribable way. Thank you so much! I’m praying for you!🙏🏼
Thank you for this Father. I recently had several people I thought were friends completely turn on me. This video has given me the courage to forgive them.
Wow! Powerful and painful! Courage to you and much admiration 👊🏽🙏🏽
Oh wow, Father Mike ON POINT again!
Good stuff Father, I enjoy hearing good practical orthodox advice that's tailored toward the modern man. Listen to you every day and your words have helped me become more Christ-like. Keep up the good work!
Thank you so so much, Father. For reminding me that forgiving and excusing is not the same thing. I've been severely struggling with forgiveness lately. I needed to hear, that I don't have to excuse disgraceful conduct to unburden myself from it. I hope I can now find some peace. 🙏
Guiding actions and thoughts yes thank you Fr. Mike
Please Jesus Christ take custody of my mind take those thoughts of people who hurt me and change them in how You want me to see them through Your mercy. In Jesus name Amen.
God bless you Father Mike! I believe all the Saints and Angels keep guiding me to your videos. This morning I cried once again saying why does my ex boyfriend's family wish me so much harm after he hurt me so bad and betrayed me. I love that you said we can forgive but not trust that person again and we may still hurt and we may even need to forgive again. You always break things down and I relearn these things once again. I needed to hear this message today.
Best explanation I have ever heard. Thank you!!!! I "get it" now!!!
Thank you for this video Father.
Thank Father Mike. I’ve watched this video before but it really hit home today.
true. a friend who is non catholic tries to change me and told me to not go to my Catholic church. it was all lies yet i forgive him and i told God he didnt knew what he was talking about. by forgiving you feel peace in your heart. 😊😊😊
He is not pope right now
The Catholic faith is why I like and where I will be. God knows who is right and wrong. Many people are in favor of abortion, same gender marriage, discrimination wise. No one says anything. Only the Catholic church. The devil tempts the one who is near the Lord, this is why is our job to pray and keep praying for others, especially those who want to celibate and be with the Lord on Earth. Yet many get offended and creep out because what happens next.
As a matter of fact, This is why the Catholic church is hard to join because of all the misconceptions people bring. The devil joins between here. This is why it angers me.
The Catholic church offers the Eucharist, the sacrament of reconciliation, the chapel, there are many things we are offered and the Lord's presence is felt beautiful. Oh especially when we do the first communion, cconfirmation. In this events, the hunger for the Lord grows instantly because you are part of Him. Its like getting a new beginning again after the baptism. _so beautiful_
So this is why I am not giving up, I love my faith. I asked the Lord if my friend was right to open the eyes of my heart. Indeed, after this petition I started to fall in love with the _Catholic church_ :3
We do read the bible, I know it as you do.
Those websites were made by a hater.
Wow that's enlightening to know the forgiveness is a decision & not a feeling. And with Forgiveness follows Justice. Thank you so Father Mike for this video.
Forgiveness set us free!!!
I really struggle with this because I have a strong sense of justice. Generally, even if I have been very wronged, if I see genuine remorse and guilt in the person who hurt me, it is much easier to forgive because I feel like their suffering (from realizing they did wrong) is in some way "just retribution" for what happened. I have a lot of compassion for the struggle of living a truly moral life, so I guess in that case I empathize with whoever wronged me and think of them as a brother or sister in the struggle. But when it comes to people who hurt me or others and don't care about it or even feel in the right, it is so so much harder for me to forgive. I think in these instances my lack of forgiveness is an attempt to rectify the injustice created not so much by their actions but by their lack of remorse and awareness of their evil. Perhaps praying to God to help them realize what they've done and feel the just guilt and remorse for their actions would be helpful in making it easier for me to forgive.
Need this one
Thank you Father Mike. Your videos always come to me at the right time. ❤️❤️
Thank you Father, this came up when I needed it most. X
This is incredibly helpful. Thank you.
I love your speaking, you’ve made me a better person to stop and think about making what we believe, fit everyday life.
Greetings from Virginia! So glad to hear what you said, and stating that 'it's a decision, not a feeling' really helps. With God's grace, I was able to forgive someone who hurt me deeply. I felt a great weight off me once I had done so; it really is about moving on.
Could you present a video on the quality of Mercy? I know the dictionary definition, but could you address the idea of what it means to have mercy; to receive mercy, and so forth?
Thanks so much!
+Tarragon Greetings from Philadelphia! You may want to join our 4 part video study on Mercy with Fr. Mike and others. You can view it on our "Study Channel." Look for "An Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy." God bless!
Ascension Presents study channel
Many thanks for posting this message. Was exactly what I needed to hear!
Forgiveness has been at the for front of my mind.
For years I have struggled with forgiveness of one person and their actions towards me and the heartache and pain and trouble that they inflicted on me and people I love. In my soul I felt that I should forgive them in order to let go and let God. To be spiritually and physically and mentally closer to what God has planned for my life I KNEW that forgiveness had to take place. But I was scared. Scared that in order to forgive I would once again make myself vulnerable to the person who hurt me. I was scared that I would never be able to fully forgive them because I knew I would never be able to let go of the pain and the hurt and the fear. And if I wasn’t ABLE to forgive them then what did that mean for my relationship with God?
I listen to Fr. Mike Schmitz’s Pod Cast (it’s just these videos in audio form) and this one sent a wave of relief over me (I listened to it a few times). To know that I can consciously forgive this person without having to let go of the feelings I’ve struggled with for so long. I mean they’ve made me into who I am today.
I do forgive this person. They can’t help the way they are. Just like I can’t help the way their actions make me feel to this day. I don’t hate them. I release them.
Thank you Fr. Mike
thank you for this video. forgiving is easier said than done. it definitely takes time before we can fully forgive. now i understand it doesn't mean to trust that person but letting go and moving on.
Thank you so much!!! This really helped me. You're great!
Wow! This is really powerful stuff Father!
The thing good I struggled with I love to church 2 times Had a priest told me if you keep on Bring in the same sense we all make mistakes he said We have to keep working at it . Because of that My wife doesn't seem to want to go together as a family to mass. And she also doesn't seem to want us all to do there's kids involved I am not going to change back I learned my lesson . And my family friends they seem to not trust me because I left the church What motivates me Is the mistake that I made . Also what motivates me I want to see my kids someday and heaven When I die I want my kids to be with me and heaven We are all Catholic Family .
Thank you for your words of wisdom, Superman! ;)
superman.. 😁😁😂
He so is! 😅❤
Video bible studies thank you Father Mike....🌹
This made so much sense. Thank you so much!
Literally needed this...Thank you
Thank you father Mike. I needed this very much.😘😀
Once trust is broken the whole concept of trust has changed by their actions. When you are loved and respected your happiness and trust means the world to a true friend.
This explanation deserves a great applause! Thank you!
Shutup
Thank you Fr. Mike. This helps me a lot.
So nicely and neatly way Fr Mike put it! Spot on!
Thank you, this is really helpful.
gracious fr. Mike! you're are awesome!!!!! ♡♡♡♡♡
Thank you 🙏🕊️