The reality is that in forgiveness we are not the ones in control of the process, it is the infinite (without limits) mercy of God that is in control. It is God who seeks us first, “Surely goodness and kindness shall follow me all the days of my life. (Psalm 22(23):6)” The truth is that “in God we trust.” We should not allow our fear or pride to be an obstacle to God’s mercy which is beyond our power of understanding. And so we pray, “Have mercy on us, O God, according to your great mercy, we pray you, hear and have mercy.” “Lord, have mercy; Lord, have mercy; Lord, have mercy.”

Meditation by Archpriest David Petras