Forgiving MAGA Does NOT Mean Giving Them A Free Pass

[@mickeyhadley4281]

"God grant me the serenity to accept the people I cannot change, the courage to change the one I can, and the wisdom to know that one is me"

[@tomrhodes1629]

"Seek not to change the world but choose to change your mind about the world." Thus sayeth the LORD. Because, all is GOD's design; the Matrix of Salvation, perfect just as it is!

[@MARIERIGGS-h2g]

I love that.

[@kimanderson591]

Love this!

[@julietfischer5056]

@@tomrhodes1629- That's a lot of words for 'Sit down and be quiet because Jesus.'

[@jamesamundsen7470]

Brilliant!

[@terrykennedy-lares8840]

Thank you Rev. Ed. This is something of which I needed reminding. Right now I'm needing a break from my "Christian" children. I know probably two of them did vote for the rapist, racist, felon and his MAGA crew thinking they were doing the right thing for their church. What really saddens me is I gave them the information about how I was feeling before the election. They did what they did and now my children are estranged from me by my choice not theirs. I hope maybe they can reform their belief in Jesus to his words and not the words of their church. l personally have never been a Christian and it saddens me that so many who call themselves Christian have no idea what Jesus said or believed when I who am not a Christian do know and understand it.

[@Lisa-tj4ju]

I am a huge fan of Tennessee Brando and Rev Ed. This message today is very important. I am still struggling with all the components of resentment after the election. It will be hard to experience the daily reminders for the next four years of what this man will do to our people, our country, and our world. It won't be easy. So preparing ourselves spiritually, mentally and physically is very important.

[@sherryobar5750]

Father, Isaiah 54:16-17 in Jesus' name amen 🙏

[@bingo7799]

What do you think he will do to your people? Give them more job opportunities? Reduce crime and drug deaths they have to deal with? Lower grocery prices? Just what horrible thing will he do?

[@Lokisqueen22]

Tennessee Brando keeps it real, that's why I subscribed to his channel.

[@sh2668-k2p]

Same

[@ronjaj.addams-ramstedt1023]

Same

[@davidfoose5899]

Big difference between forgiveness and trust.

[@libbycollins9349]

We are not told to trust them, just forgive them. Trust is earned, but forgiveness freely given.

[@charlotteherrera4374]

I struggled with my way of “forgiving.” I end relationships and shut them completely out of my life. I do not have energy to waste. Thank you for this message. It confirms it’s ok to remove people from my life when they are toxic to my being.

[@nadaproblem3023]

Basically, your way or the highway.

[@24CiViC]

I understand. Sometimes, it’s just best to close the door.

[@Jeannie-d2u]

Yeah, Brando's great 👍 🎸 💙 But I forgive my MAGA family members 💔Alhough I'm detoxing from them while I'm grieving. ❤️‍🩹 I don't need to let them keep hurting me.🕊️🤝🏼🇺🇸

[@julietfischer5056]

We can only hope that they will realize what they've done and understand the damage caused by their choices, then choose to do the hard work of examining themselves and becoming the people they thought they were. Unfortunately, too many will not do that work, and far too many will never realize the harm they did to themselves and others.

[@ReturnToSenderz]

Absolutely. Sometimes it’s easier to love people from afar, especially the people who are actively hurting us. Maybe there will be a time when you’ll be able to reconnect and have a positive experience, but it’s very hard to heal when you’re still being injured.

[@nadaproblem3023]

​@ReturnToSenderz being injured???? What?? Please, explain.

[@williamfinch9858]

The key to forgiving even while setting boundaries is to ensure “older brothers” come out to attack you for it. Are even your friends calling you a pushover or a doormat?

[@julietfischer5056]

@@nadaproblem3023- Emotional injury.

[@SqueakyBarbarian]

Love Belle and Beau, Brando, and more. My mother showed this to me when she told me she was praying for her father - an abusive, horrible person who almost killed her as a child. She determined that she was going to pray that man into heaven. And for years she has prayed for that man. She has let go of what he did to her and her siblings and her mother so completely that she has worked on his behalf for years to get him into the very best place she could hope for. My mother is a much better person than I am.

[@moniqueloomis9772]

Forgiveness without setting boundaries is not love for either party. Amen.

[@timothyoo7]

Very well put!

[@Himmiefan]

Excellent video! This is one area where Christians really drop the ball: the topic of forgiveness. They say forgive, but don't define what it is. How it feels, how we do it, etc. One thing I've learned is that forgiveness is easier when you're not around the person.

[@dianebannister4591]

I agree with you totally. I hear this all the time that Christians are supposed to forgive someone "instantly" then never again feel affected by someone's harmful actions and words to us. It's taught as though forgiveness is the "easiest" Christian quality to have. And when we forgive, we are immediately supposed to FORGET what someone has done to us. I think that's a Saint they are talking about. There have been life long consequences to me by various persons harm to me. And I am not able to forget what happened. I still have pain and consequences. If those memories come up, it is still painful. How can we do something we can't better understand how to do it? Christian development is not a one day happening. We may have to WORK on different things over time for progress.

[@amberfuchs398]

You know what happens when you forgive an abuser, they see it as a free pass to keep abusing. We have to set boundaries and grieve the loss of that person in our life. Do not enable abusers. They do not get access to our resources when their victims need our help.

[@jamesparson]

💯

[@junerussell6972]

It's important to understand that forgiveness is *not* about "reconciliation." That's a whole different can of worms that no abused person should *ever* be expected to do, since it doesn't do anything positive for the person who has experienced abuse, but only benefits the abuser. When you forgive someone, *they* have no need (or right) to know that they've been forgiven. And (for our emotional and physical safety) we *do* need to have firm boundaries where they are concerned. I'm a survivor who has been in the Address Confidentiality Program for 30 years because of an abuser. Once I no longer needed the anger against him to stay safe, I was able to forgive him (for *my* sake.) He has no idea (nor will he ever.) And I have worked hard (including enduring being in the ACP) to keep him out of my life. But forgiveness is important for mental/emotional well being, as Rev Ed says.

[@robasiansensation3118]

All of this is absolute truth. I think what Rev Ed was pointing at is that there is space for both. That you can stop the abuse, put up strong boundaries, even prosecute if warranted, but to also let go of the retribution and anger within your heart, that is a huge weight for us to carry. That crushes us if we hold on to it for too long, both physically, mentally, and spiritually.

[@amberfuchs398]

@@junerussell6972 I disagree. I find forgiveness is used by religious people as spiritual bypassing. See: Very Well Mind's article on "What is spiritual bypassing?" Grieving is absolutely required to heal, forgiveness is not. To see what I mean by grieving search Susan David "The gift and power of emotional courage"

[@amberfuchs398]

@@robasiansensation3118 I don't find forgiveness is a necessary part of that equation at all. Grieving allows me to reach acceptance without ever entertaining forgiveness.

[@jamiepinski922]

Expressed beautifully: our forgiveness is necessary and I can forgive yet decide that this person does not need to be a part of my life if their energy is not aligned with mine. Choice.

[@Silver_Rayn]

I have a toxic parent who has been very damaging my whole life. I forgave them about a decade ago. I do not willingly associate with them & have only seen them 3x in that decade. That is about keeping me safe. As for my MAGA relatives, I've seen this coming since 2020. In 2016, they didn't like Trump but voted for him because he was a Republican. By 2020, they were fans. They kept twisting end times prophecy with Qanon stuff. As I saw these educated people reduced to slogans & Fox talking points, I just feel sorry for them. I'm not angry. I'm just resigned. I'd rather spend my energy on people who can be reached. As for family events, politics are off limits.

[@ronski4059]

@@Silver_Rayn TDS

[@Mister_Listener]

@@ronski4059isnt it interesting too, to see Trump supporters continue with the hostility even after “winning.” They cant be reached by anybody, thats what makes them so dangerous. Like when the tarriffs end up hurting them, they will still be blaming obama or AoC or Joe Biden for it. Not Trump.

[@timothyoo7]

Very true, and a lesson I need to tell myself more often! They are so far gone from reality, for years now. As well as completely resistant to anything other than propaganda. So, why waste any more of my time and energy?

[@gram2977]

Excellent message Rev Ed. I'm trying! Thank you and God bless! 🙏

[@contrafax]

If we don't like them (who ever it may be) holding the anger or resentment is like letting them live with you rent free.

[@yourseatatthetable]

Nice to see the good Paster here tunes into Tennessee Brando, who's a solid guy.

[@gwen5495]

I love Tennessee Brando and i share his feelings in many ways. I think the problem is the Christian concept of forgiveness, especially the way right wing fundamentalists use it, is an expectation that we allow abuse with no recourse for the victim. It's why the defund the police movement meets so much resistance. True forgiveness that doesnt damage the forgiver can really only be achieved through restorative justice, and most people in The West know nothing about restorative justice. It's either punish the culprit or let them get away with it and force the victim to forgive with no repair to their hurt. Theres no in between for us, culturally or systemically

[@ronjaj.addams-ramstedt1023]

Yes! As my friend Neurodivergent K wrote on her blog: 'Maybe this [strongly recommending forgiveness to survivors of abuse] is for your religious reasons? I still don't get it, though: I'm an Atheist, but I was raised with "you sin (fuck up), you go to confession (apologize), you do your penance (make amends), then you go and sin no more (do your best to not fuck up again)." Only after that are you absolved (forgiven). That model works pretty well for us secular folks too. I highly recommend it.' Source: K's blog 'Radical Neurodivergence Speaking' / 'Time to Listen'

[@Mister_Listener]

This is SO TRUE. I am not sure many people can explain and understand those details about accountability like you have. Spot on. Can we get married? Lol. Just kidding.

[@dianebannister4591]

I am subscribed to Tennessee Brando. And I love listening to him. It has been a comfort with the support there has been on Brando's channel after the election.

[@ryanlay3220]

Man, your content is so life-giving. Thank you so much for sharing your thinking, and for your pastoral care on such a broad scale.

[@Sandra-dt4ec]

Forgiveness allows us to avoid becoming bitter about the election and not end up on the capital steps fighting and holding on to resentment and anger. Instead work toward helping the vulnerable who will have needs as the next four years unfold. Show folks what Christianity can look like when infused with unconditional love.

[@lunarpathwaygames8671]

This message was easily one of the top ten most important videos I have ever seen you do. I shared it on Bluesky because there are a lot of people there that are really in need of this message, as I myself am with regard to the election and the way it went. Thank you.

[@Winspur1982]

I couldn't have asked for a better Sunday morning reflection. For five and a half years I lived under the same roof as someone whom I considered a friend. Over the course of that time I learned that this person was committed to a triangular trauma bond (frankly very similar to the Donald - JD - Elon bond) with two others, carried a lot of self-hate around with them everywhere, took refuge in shiny surfaces and pretty pictures because the fullness of the real world was too scary for them. This "friend" could not actually give me anything like friendship. I've felt more authentic human connection from complete strangers I talk to on the street. Now I can honestly say I have reached a point where I don't hate any of those three and I wish the best for them. It was not a quick or easy process but I needed to work through it. Thank you Ed and Nmultis!

[@fslayer1290]

I was bullied relentlessly in school while in my early Christian walk. I thought I had to forgive over and over while staying in the same toxic situation. As I grew in God I learned I was wrong (Sadly, I ended up with childhood depression and social anxiety disorder, but the Lord has used the illnesses to let me help others, mostly kids, and I am sooooo thankful.) As I matured in Christ I learned God did not put me here to be a punching bag (my exact thought.) I can be loving, forgive, and if the person is still being harmful, I am allowed to separate my self from them. I’m allowed to avoid unGodly behavior and people. I’m allowed to live a peaceful life in God. Talking to God personally and often, and reading and studying His Word was the key to this understanding and I am so thankful.

[@ad-dx9gi]

This was a great message Rev Ed, Awesome discussion your right on !!.. FORGIVENESS gives you a peace, Helps you think clearly, and stops the hate ... Forgiveness helps your spiritual and Mental well-being... Thanks God Bless 🕊️

[@VincentValentine33]

I am a huge fan of Brando

[@sherryobar5750]

So am I 💜

[@Nan-59]

Same!!❤

[@Diamerald]

Me too!

[@yabits]

I especially loved On The Waterfront.

[@Pinkfongfan24]

Same! ❤

[@libbycollins9349]

There are no free passes. Go ahead and forgive and let God deal with the follow up. How liberating!

[@kariburlon5790]

Yes he does! TB was raised up in church, and KNOWS the bible. He's down to earth, honest and reframes things in ways that are easy to understand. The three of you (Belle/Beau-Justin, You and TB) I watch daily. You're all voices of reason in your own unique ways.

[@jeanmitton4287]

Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us😢❤

[@Rae6357]

We should begin each day listening to this message to remind us that forgiveness isn't for others, it is for ME. You nailed it Rev Trevors. Forgiveness with boundaries speaks of me AND those that have hurt me. I have to ask myself if MY actions or words have hurt someone else. Not just focusing on the hurts others have done to me. Lord help me walk in YOUR truth. AMEN

[@williamfinch9858]

It is amazing who you can forgive if you do not care who it's for.

[@Rae6357]

​@@williamfinch9858true. I was hurt by a family member. Very harsh words spoken to me from someone I always held dear to my heart. I was told I don't have Christ in my heart and I cannot call myself a Christian if I could vote for a murderer. I was stunned and deeply hurt. I told her Kamala was never convicted of murder and that she had no right telling me I am not a Christian. Then I said "I love you with all my heart but this conversation is over." Then I left. I would never accuse her of not being a Christian. I believe she is. Just brainwashed. I will not subject myself to anymore attacks from her. Lord open my eyes if I ever hurt someone by my words or actions.

[@mnrandas7045]

thank you, insightful as always

[@marceechristensen2533]

From a Townsend book on Boundaries that I read. Forgiveness is not Reconciliation 🙏

[@readMEinkbooks]

Except that it is with God. Because of His forgiveness to us through the blood of Jesus, we are reconciled to God. It was the whole point of the crucifixion.

[@KatMo7121]

@@readMEinkbooks Then why are we still threatened with hell every time an evangelical preacher opens his mouth?

[@marceechristensen2533]

@ Excellent point of view. Noted. In Bible, Jesus tells the disciples that if they go into a village where they are not welcome or even listened to, then shake the sand off their feet when they leave

[@BradCarter-s3u]

Forgiving is easy. Forgetting is hard

[@StefanTaf]

Exactly

[@julietfischer5056]

You don't have to forget. If anything, we must remember so that we don't end up in that situation again.

[@PaulRobinson-g6k]

Why forget? Knowing who is likely to do what when is necessary defense. Forgiving allows space for something better, that doesn't mean expecting something better. Forgiveness means not carrying around the burdensome emotion of remaining actively angry.

[@laurabee4056]

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. A movie that teaches a very good lesson about why it’s important not to forget. Even painful things. Plus it’s really fun to watch!

[@suetrublu]

And unwise

[@ChrisSmith-gx4bz]

I also have a suggestion for people in these extremely difficult times and I know it can be hard, but find something you love to do. It can be anything. Prayer, a good book, a TV show, cooking, writing, art, spending time with like-minded people, your fur babies... Whatever brings you contentment. We need these things more than ever. Nurturing your own soul will bring about the change you want for our world. We must focus on the blessings and joy we have. Right now. Today! Get your minds off the negative 24/7. Keep engaged. Just dont let it overcome the real world you live in every day. Much love! 🙏💜

[@ke9tv]

'I'll be damned if I'm going to carry them.' 'Damned' there may be precisely the correct technical term, because being burdened for eternity with a load of resentments sounds a lot like Hell.

[@Alright70]

Thanks so much for your words I haven’t identified as a Christian since I was very young g as being a gay person made me see I was not accepted by many Christians. Sunday school gave me the best education in my mind of the basic tenants of Christianity. To hear a Christian man speak out online is a much needed relief of what we are usually shown by so many false prophets and grifters.

[@AlyraMoondancer]

There are people whom I have not seen in decades who caused me harm in the past. I find that from time to time I need to forgive them again, and this is exactly why. The resentment and anger those memories can kindle does me no good whatsoever. Also, those people may well have improved themselves over time and no longer deserve my anger.

[@virginiadowling7474]

In the book The Hiding Place, Corrie Tenboom relates meetings one of the prison camp guards who had been especially sadistic and mean. She had a hard time reaching out to shake her had, but asked Jesus to help her and found that forgiveness freed her. She had then realized these former guards needed as much love and help as their victims. A powerful message.

[@Agnoletta]

I forgive because not forgiving keeps my love from flowing to others, not just to the object of my forgiveness. It bottles me up. Not forgiving stops me from undoing their harm to others, never mind myself.

[@mikemalloy5776]

Thank you for the clarity on this critical subject. One of the clearest explanations of forgiveness that I’ve ever read or heard.

[@Indigo42Kitsune]

I am in a situation where it’s better to forgive and move on.

[@bethcunningham2737]

I subscribe to both you and Brando! Both have great messages to share 😊. Thanks for all you do.

[@rebeccakesner9840]

You And Tennessee Brando Keep It Real And Have The Guts To Call Out The Hypocracy That You See. That's Why I've Been Watching Both Of You. You Tell The Truth And It's So Needed In Today's World!🌎😀

[@donaldwert7137]

This is thought-provoking and made me look at some of my relationships through a new lens and evaluate how I deal with those who have wronged me. I don't like people living rent-free in my head, so I try to take a "Go with God" stand with people who have wronged me. I also try to be brutally honest with myself as to whether I participated in it by enabling them, as has happened several times. There are people I keep at arms length and there are people I never want to see again, as I'm sure there are people who never want to see me again.

[@Maureen1]

Forgiveness gives us back our energy to use for better things, rather than let whatever happened colour the rest of our lives, and drain all the joy from it.

[@nosblaidd4]

This is really what I needed to hear. I cannot tell you how much your videos have helped me come to my senses recently. I truly want to thank you for all you do.

[@schannstewart9385]

I am letting myself off the hook from anger, rage or sadness. I am allowing myself to continue to move forward. That's what forgiveness means to me. And no, you can forgive someone without telling them you have and you can choose to not have them in your life.

[@mackymccallum8652]

I follow Belle, Beau and Tennessee Brando. They are very reminiscent of the content that you put out

[@duppyduppy01]

This is so great and makes so much sense. Forgive and pray for them.

[@osilva2367]

"The Ed level of forgiveness." Love it. Forgiveness is a process and so very healing.❤

[@angelanorthcutt4339]

I love Tennessee Brando!

[@tomrhodes1629]

Me too. But he must learn that he can't change the world, and it's pointless to fight evil with anything other than knowledge. We must instead change our mind about the world, learning that GOD is ALL-powerful, which is why absolutely everything is fated as part of GOD's perfect plan for our salvation from limitation. Everyone is playing their GOD-given role, and evil is nothing more than ignorance. We must learn to forgive people their ignorance while seeking Truth ourselves with an open mind. FEAR is the opposite of Love, and fear causes a closed mind, which keeps Truth out. And that's why those people are so ignorant (evil). Elijah has returned, as prophesied, and testifies.

[@bdell519]

I totally agree with you Reverend Ed ❤

[@tic333-e2m]

Amen. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 Your reflections were very helpful for my situation. Thank you.

[@rousingtherelics]

This was much needed at this time. Thank you, and Brando, for truthful views.

[@steveyaciuk6877]

Thank you so much for this message, I was confused about what forgiveness was about. Amen and God bless

[@aw9680]

The only way to forgive MAGA is to have the Republican congress stop trump's madness.

[@kaythegardener]

Better to go about your business without that goal, since TWICE RW GOP Congress critters FAILED TO IMPEACH THE CROOK BEFORE!!

[@juliescott5017]

You can forgive but have healthy boundaries with toxic family members. I did not attend Thanksgiving dinner this year because choices have consequences.

[@exantiuse497]

I don't know your exact situation but cutting ties completely because someone voted red isn't necessarily a good idea. If members of your family are full-on Maga and belong in the cult of personality, then I would agree that not associating with them might be the right call as there's a chance they won't ever come back. In that case, pray that a miracle happens and they come to their senses and leave them be But if they're not that, if they're the type that voted Trump because he promised cheap gas and thought the things people said about him were exaggerations... then I think you should give them another chance. The time will come when they realise they made a mistake, and when that happens they need a lifeline, an off ramp from the road to destruction, someone who they can admit to that they messed up and accepts their apology. You can be that someone when the time comes. If they don't have that lifeline, then there's the chance that they go from selfishly and foolishly voting for the promise of cheap gas to members of the cult who won't come back anymore, and tht's a tremendous loss for everyone I don't know which scenario you're in, only you can determine that, but I plead that you don't abandon anyone who still has hope to the Maga

[@nadaproblem3023]

​@@exantiuse497 tell me what Democrats gave dine for YOU that's so positive? Or society in the past four years? Why is Trump so bad? What has he done to viciously hurt all of you?

[@carolyntalbot947]

I needed this, big time. Thank you.

[@darlameeks]

Always encouraging! If we don't forgive, then that trauma is living rent-free in our heads, continuing to hurt us. How can we hope to heal without forgiving? Also, God has forgiven my sins for the sake of His Son. I didn't deserve that. How can I not forgive others?

[@Agnoletta]

Forgiveness requires commitment to do better. The MAGA need to commit to do better.

[@poiema9153]

Thanks Rev Ed, I love this message, I needed to hear it and I have freedom in my soul because of it. I struggle often over the whys of people's motives, and why would a Christian ever see Trump as a Messianic figure - btw, ask an AI bot about Trump being a messiah - this spun my head!. I see in MAGA the seven deadly sins and that's a doctrinal leap for a New England Baptist! All I can figure is Trump is justification for the hidden sins or desires of the people who love him. A closet sinner sees themselves in him, that's why they love him. I love the quote from Mark Twain "Be good and you will be lonesome."... Jimmy Buffet added "be lonesome and you will be free." I miss my MAGA friend, but I love the Lord more.

[@davidrada241]

In my midst of feeling like I might become collateral damage in the coming years, I know that scattershot anger towards others will not be productive to me and others. That demands of me to forgive, be patient, and practice acceptance. Not easy, but it's the better path. Just my thought.

[@julietfischer5056]

Yep. Pick your battles.

[@suzannederusha1370]

That’s exactly what forgiveness is for, to unburden yourself from the feelings you have towards that person. True forgiveness gives you that gift of releasing that weight.

[@ProctorsGamble]

I just hope that we will forgive before it’s too late and the world 🌎 is too far gone 🙏

[@ChrisSmith-gx4bz]

I love Tennessee Brando and I love you too! I can not live in hate. It will kill me not them. I have way too much on my plate. If someone is toxic to me I choose not to associate. Still love my maga cousin and wish him the best but I can't speak to him anymore. Forgiveness needs to be in my heart because the stress of hate will kill ME! Not them. Amen! 🙏

[@barbarawatson1667]

I heard someone say that the when difficult or awful things happen to them or around them they “hand it over to The Realm”. I love that. The Realm for me the place where Divinity is, a place that can absolutely process and heal that which I cannot as an ordinary person. A place that allows me to rest in, keeping my own heart open to the wonder of Life. I’ve actually found that handing my hurt over to the Realm has deepened my connection to the Source of my being (God), and allowed forgiveness to work within me at a deeper level, and I become peaceful in my body and mind. The self created burden is lifted. And I am free.

[@Duskydawg]

You nailed it for me, Rev Ed. I was tested just last night. Your message was meant to be.

[@teaspirits]

“God bless you in your journey” is now my response to misinformed MAGAs in my life. Thank you, Rev! ❤️

[@Rose50Reno]

I too like Tennessee Brando and his 'pastoral' sound. He seems to evoke in me - a calm reason. I find I can not fully forgive others until I meet one fundamental requirement. I must forgive myself first for being fooled, manipulated, having trusted, or having expectations of others beyond their capabilities. Only after self forgiveness am I able to embrace forgiveness of others while holding them responsible for their actions without the energy of retribution. (And surprise . . . forgiveness of others seems almost effortless after my self forgiveness.) Forgive but remember the other's vulnerabilities to avoid future harm to yourself. This can include the extreme of ending relationships if need be to avoid toxic overload. For me forgiveness is an exercise in accepting people where they are while caring for myself. Maybe some folks can forgive others with no hidden resentment and if so, please value the gift that it is.

[@volqueen]

I am glad that you have been watching TN Brando's videos. I sent you one of his videos a few months ago and I am glad that you have seen the special quality he has at providing a great platform.

[@Pawpatrol119]

I’ve been watching Brando for a while. He has been hurt by church folks and he loves people! One day I think he will be full of forgiveness and let Christ into his heart again! I’ve walked his life and the love of Christ heals me daily! Thank you Lord

[@suetrublu]

Really great message tonight! Thank you!

[@jamesamundsen7470]

Greater is he who conquers himself than he who conquers a city.

[@bradholton]

"Forgiveness liberates the soul. It removes fear. That is why it is such a powerful weapon." is attributed to Nelson Mandela

[@DavidWadleigh]

Thank you Rev Ed, you've put a bee in my bonnet, and hopefully as it buzzes around it will pollinate the forgiveness of which you speak. This brings to mind the church that the white supremacist Dylan Roof shot up, after which the congregation and family members of the slain forgave him. I remember being both amazed and humbled at the strength of their faith and of their minds that they could do this, and I knew that in their place I would have likely failed that Test. I will definitely need to meditate further on this, I thank you again!

[@gypcecatt]

Thank you! I've been struggling with this. I thought of myself as forgiving but this is so hard.

[@maurinemccabe9563]

Thank you for the lesson on forgiveness and resentment. It really made me think. When you practice this, it works ❤️

[@xTheRedMagex]

I think I've come to understand the "problem" with forgiveness, as I encountered this very issue, on a smaller scale, some years back within the Brony community. To make a long story short, a content creator engaged in unethical/potentially illegal activity, and did not appear to be expressing any remorse for said activity. A few other creators with well-known Christian leanings called for forgiveness, and received vocal pushback against it. It was at that time I came to realize that there are two definitions of "forgiveness" that individuals seem to be working off of: 1) Releasing any ill-will one feels towards the tortfeasor for their transgression 2) Absolving the tortfeasor of any further guilt/consequences for their transgression Having listened to those content creators (and to you), it's clear you are operating off of the first definition of "forgiveness," while those like Tennessee Brando seem to be operating off of the second. I thank you for making it clear what the Christian definition of "forgiveness" should be, and that we _should_ be releasing ill-will for our own sake.

[@Signalaw1]

Whew, I needed this talk. TY

[@CleverCreationsEtc]

Love Beau and Belle and Brando!!!

[@LudlowKid]

Excellent, Rev. Ed!

[@cowgirljane3316]

All your messages are wonderful, but this one really resonates with me.

[@Mister_Listener]

It’s been years and i forgive them in my heart. Thats not difficult for me. But. When i had to break ties with antagonistic and homophobic parents because i felt my physical safety was in danger, they ended up screaming and shouting names at me as i was walking away. I held on for years at my own expense and always asked them to stop hurting me, it is ironic. Finally, I told them in a quiet voice that they were hurting my feelings and i couldnt take their anger and shouting anymore. Now, i am feeling good about myself these days. But they can never forgive ME for setting a boundary, so i still feel like a failure when it comes to forgiveness.

[@labcat647]

My heart and soul are not troubled if I chose not to forgive grievous actions. It means I have one foot still planted in the real world of actions and consequences.

[@jtsimmons3133]

Amen. Thank you for your counsel. Some day I might be able to lay the Trump burden down. I keep praying.

[@thesirz3]

I think an important lens to think about forgiveness is that it is a decision to judge by who you are, not who you were. By what you do, not what you did. Freedom from consequences for ongoing behavior is called enabling. If the behavior has not changed there is no forgiveness, only enabling. Forgiveness leads to mutual growth. Enabling leads to mutual regression. Forgive. Do not enable.

[@What_do_I_Think]

I can forgive MAGA people, but I will not forgive the cult!

[@karmaalstad5588]

I wonder how many Jonestown survivors are still washing the bitterness out of their mind, body, and soul. ✌️🖖

[@What_do_I_Think]

@@karmaalstad5588 This is much bigger then Jonestown ever was.

[@karmaalstad5588]

@@What_do_I_Think I know

[@JoAnnFuir]

Forgive...it frees the soul. 😊

[@tloof2370]

Thank you thank you thank you a million times thank you. I have a sister who chose to hurt my daughter over her political beliefs, need to be right and support for a lie she spread on the Internet. I have tried to explain to people this very thing that you have so eloquently explained what I have been trying to explain to others. I have forgiven her, I love her but in no way do I ever want her to be in my life again because she has shown me what is important to her and how she does not care about who she hurts to achieve it. Thank you, another video I am saving to share when needed.💜

[@ben361971]

Amen

[@donnadornbusch6738]

Rev Ed - this is so true!

[@Sunnygirlrn3]

Working on this. Not there yet.🙏

[@pedrocruz4409]

I am going to let you go on your way. Love those wise words, pastor… I tried ‘discussing’ criticism on RFK with a Trumpee and quickly got xenophobic, I gave his last comment a like and went on with my morning..

[@KatMo7121]

I just realized that you don't have to tell someone you've forgiven them- it's the best way of denying them any more of your time, emotions, or thoughts and denies them the opportunity to cause you more harm!

[@bnose202]

Forgiveness in this context will be difficult for me, but I will get there. As an individual with congenital medical conditions that could be greatly affected by the Trump agenda, we shall see how the dust settles first.

[@pyrovania]

Forgiveness is one thing, but people should be allowed to protect themselves from future harm, yes?

[@dianegrant3215]

I think it was Wayne dyer I heard breaking the word resentment down. It comes from the French word ressentir which means to feel again. So yes, resenting people only hurts yourself. They are your feelings after all.

[@DumpsterDivingDragon]

I've always enjoy Brando's Love-shares in the Spirit of Truth... Aka & imh&hop: The 'Correct' way is the Way. Versa-Visa. ` Also like to jam along with his music & Bands' showings , too... With me Ukee play alongs'... LOVE iT All!

[@myteric117]

Hi, Ed. I enjoy your take on many aspects of Christianity. In this video about forgiveness, most of the conversations you described are conversations best had with the person in the mirror. Forgiving in this way helps us define or describe For Ourselves how the relationship will be moving forward. The problem I see with using the word 'forgive' or 'forgiveness' in conversation with The Other is they will apply the standard dictionary meaning. This will let them suffer the delusion/misapprehension that Things Will Resume in some way similar to what had been. Any changes they note in our behavior will, therefore, be attributed to us and it will be unlikely they will self-reflect sufficiently to discern their role in the new status. For this reason, it is Essential (I think) that the 'mirror' conversation occur well ahead of any conversation with The Other. We would do well to identify For Ourselves how our behavior will change moving forward (it is unnecessary or unhelpful to inform The Other of all the specific changes, only That there will be changes). Telling them Why the change is occurring is best done ONCE. Opportunities to repeat or reiterate should be limited to “I told you why.” (keep track of When you told them for this purpose), This may seem odd, but this type of repeat conversation would only make sense within the previous boundaries of the relationship. An old phrase is “Forgive & forget”. Be cautious how you use it. For people who accidentally or incidentally harm/wrong us, who apologize AND change to reduce/eliminate the harm. It can be safe to forgive the person and forget the harm (within our limited ability). For people who make a habit of harming/wronging us OR if the harm/wrong is severe enough, forgiving is only for us, and forgetting is for the lost parts of the relationship. Be well. Eric.

[@winstonoboogie2424]

This was so good I listened to it 4-5 times. I think, when I forgive someone, only I benefit from doing so. Telling them I forgive them can be in their mind, like I'm giving them permission to do the same things again.

[@lynnmarie1381]

Thank you for this. This has been helpful. I know. God and Jesus don't allow unforgiveness, and won't forgive me if I don't forgive others, and was having a difficult time with that. I will keep praying about this and I know They will help me, too.

[@EarlGraf]

Well said.