We all make mistakes. We all do things for which we are sorry, which we regret, and for which we want forgiveness.
Sometimes, though, we commit an act so harmful that we feel like we can never be forgiven and don’t even want to be forgiven, because that would somehow negate the harm we caused.
Examples of this include the soldier who kills civilians, the drunk driver who causes a fatal crash, or the partner who cheats.
Sometimes, we experience a moment of thoughtlessness, of a poor decision, that results in harm and changes our lives forever.Â
Then we have to live with the consequences.
How do we do that?
Atonement.
AI defines “atonement” as follows:Â
Atonement, in a general sense, refers to the act of making amends or reparations for a wrong, injury, or offense. It can involve actions to repair a damaged relationship, express remorse, or satisfy a moral debt. In a theological context, particularly within Christianity and Judaism, atonement specifically refers to the reconciliation of God and humankind, often through sacrifice or ritual.Â
Atonement goes beyond the forgiveness of either oneself or from another person. It requires intentional action that may involve either the injured party or, more often, others who had nothing to do with the original act. It is frequently ongoing.
For instance, the soldier may volunteer with a homeless shelter, the drunk driver may spend the rest of their life educating others about the dangers of drinking and driving, and the cheating partner may choose daily to be a more thoughtful and loving person.Â
Atonement keeps the injury fresh so that the offender does not fall into complacency and minimize the harm. It also provides positive action so the offender does not remain static and just wallow in misery for what they did.Â
Finally, atonement is an acknowledgment that we are all human and therefore fallible. Every time I get judgmental and think, “How could you do that?!” I remember some of the things I’ve done, and I go to a place of compassion and empathy.
I Connect.
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Be In Light,
Carol
