There is no accounting in the skill of forgiveness, but plenty of accountability. In the arithmetic of Jesus, seventy times seven is infinity, thus "forgive us as we forgive those who sin against us."

It is no wonder then that as we fail to forgive others, our own load gets heavier. Our lives suffer complications, our psyche becomes damaged, our outlook crooked, our vision reduced. But however cut and dried this seems, we can be compassionate and allow God's forgiving skill to function within our lives. Sometimes we block this forgiving skill to function in our lives. So some of us have ridden into the potholes of jealousy, antagonism, anger and resentment. How can a person say that he has forgiven if a mixture of pain and anger riddles his heart?

Our best line of action would be to muster enough prayer for the other person. Wish upon him God's mercy. Pray for his happiness. Remember Jesus and the repentant thief at the scene of the crucifixion - "today you will be with me in paradise." It is a total forgiveness. With the help of the Lamb of God who forgives the sins of the world, we too can gain courage and confidence in forgiving the hurt others have heaped on us.

Yes, forgiveness is more than a skill, it is God's presence of love and mercy! It is an act of love. It creates. As art lends dignity to life, the capacity to forgive enables us by grace; it is a wonder! It is better than the shriveling of self with the poison of an unforgiving spirit.