10 Oct Tshuvah and Forgiveness
The process of tshuvah, the ability to atone to return to a pristine of being may be distilled down into 4 categories;
1/ Recognize; We Recognize, Admit and Stop doing the thing(s) that is causing unmanageability, ie transgressions
2/ Regret; We feel regret for the thing(s) which have caused unmanageability to yourself, others and Hashem.
3/ Repent; We follow the teachings of the Ways of the Torah and the process of Tshuvah. To do this we must acquire the trait of Humility.
4/ Resolve; The Sweetening. We must recognize that we are only responsible for the effort of our Tshuvah, the results (resolve) of our efforts we turn over to G-d. We continue to work on Tshuvah and pray He will elevate our Tshuvah We must be Sincere and Honest in all our affairs.
The basic criteria for asking forgiveness is;
- Verbalizing articulluting ones wrongdoing with Sincerity, honesty and humility to other(s)
- Verbally committing to a plan of Tshuvah/ repentance on how you will continue the process of tshuvah (as good tshuvah takes time and planning) . “I have done ____________ and I intend to correct the situation by doing the following;_______________
- Compensation must be made where it may apply
Forgiveness in not just meritorious for the person seeking forgiveness, but an opportunity for a person(s) who is being asked for forgiveness to be compassionate and understanding as this is a great and upotentialy meritorious responsibility. A person granting forgiveness must be mindful, compassionate and may not unduly withhold forgiveness.
It is important to remember that it may be very difficult for a person to come to you to ask for forgiveness, they may be an emtionally sensitive time, so it is important to be compassionate.
This process of asking forgiveness and granting forgiveness is meant to create unity and harmony by bring the people and The Nation of Israel closer together.
This is just a brief overview of the process of tshuvah. Where there may be matters of tshuvah and the repairing of relationships that may require great sensitivity and objectivity, it is advisable to be guided through the process by someone who is well versed in it.
Leib Getzel (Lawrence) Lax
Addictions and Counseling
lawrenceJlax@gmail.com
lawrencelax.com