Forgive and Forget or Forget and Forgive

Is this really possible? If so ,which order of the occurrence makes it more practical? Many of us whom have grown up in the church have been exposed to various doctrines in regard to forgiveness. The one that I heard the most was “forgive and forget”. Or should it be forget and subsequently forgive.

When hearing this phrase two question immediately pop into to my head. First, is it possible to forgive without forgetting? And if you have forgotten about a particular transgression committed in opposition of your favor, have you forgiven that person?

In order to answer the aforementioned questions we must first find out what the definition of forgiveness is:

Forgiveness is typically defined as the process of concluding resentment, indignation or anger as a result of a perceived offense, difference or mistake, and ceasing to demand punishment or restitution.

Now that we know what the definition of forgiveness is, we have established a base where we can begin a discussion.

“Concluding resentment, indignation, and anger” even if this condition is present, is it possible to forget? I would say no unless you have been diagnosed with clinical amnesia. Once the experience has been introduced to you, it will always live on perpetuity in your mind. It is no longer possible to have a definitive a priori interaction when faced with the identical situation. We can adjust our actions to imply or infer forgiveness but if we truly have not forgotten the offense are we still in the wrong? Or are the subsequent implicit actions paramount? I mean if we forgive and act like we have forgotten is that good enough?

Now let’s say you have been diagnosed with clinical amnesia or maybe you just have a bad memory and you have forgotten any debt owed to you, therefore “ceasing any demand for punishment or restitution”. By definition would this be forgiveness?

Hmmm interesting subject what are your thoughts?

Nature vs Nurture

People often engage in activities that are detrimental to ones physical, emotional, or even spiritual health. 

Then why do you we do it?  If something feels so good and makes you so happy then how could it be bad?  Could it just be in our nature or could it be that we are a product of our environment, and have subsequently fallen victim to our upbringing.  This argument has been the subject of debate for over 500 years. 

What are your thoughts on nature vs nurture?