Forgiveness

Episode #632

March 13, 2021

“You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
— Jesus Christ, Bible (Matthew 5:38)

Difficult advice.

How can you bring yourself to forgive another?
i have four ways:

1. Love someone anyway.
2. Agree to disagree.
3. Walk away.
4. Listen and engage with added fervor.

In computing i have employed all of the above.

1. Sometimes Apple “improves” an operating system with features that make tasks more difficult. i embrace them, learning how to love doing things differently. You are forgiven Apple.
   

2. Under my computer operating system Apple’s Reminders app stopped synchronizing with my other devices. i liked Reminders and used it for all kinds of lists, but Apple insists that i upgrade my operating system to continue using Reminders. i agreed to disagree by switching to a different list app. Now i use Tick Tick. It does everything i want and syncs on all my devices. i forgive you Apple.
   

3. When my computer got too old to run the programs i wanted to run i walked away. The computer still worked for much of the software so i put it in the garage as a shop computer. i kept walking to the computer store and bought a new one for my office. Apple, you are forgiven for making me buy a new computer.
   

4. Most software problems can be solved. i listen intently to the system and engage in troubleshooting with all the enthusiasm of my experience. Your software problems are forgiven, dear client.
   

In the end, i always forgive Apple for dragging me into the future.

When it comes to people, turning the other cheek is far more difficult.

1. When a person is intractable, love them anyway.
   

2. If a person refuses to see what you know and believe, agree to disagree.
   

3. As you observe an argument is driving you apart, walk away.
   

4. An opportunity to agree is a reason to listen and engage with added fervor.
   

To make it easier for someone to forgive you, wrap your opinions in a critical sandwich. That is a critique between two slices of compliments. 

To make forgiveness easier for you, accept that the past cannot be changed and the present is all we have.

When you are absolutely, positively certain that you are correct it is the best time to apologize.