Editor’s note: This podcast contains mentions of abuse that may be triggering for some listeners.
Father Dave takes a call from a listener who is struggling with forgiveness. While we all grapple with forgiving someone who has wronged us at some point in our lives, our caller, Kim, has been dealing with a particularly painful situation that very few of us can even fathom. As a child, Kim experienced sexual, physical, and mental abuse from her uncle. Later in life, Kim learned that her aunt was aware of the abuse and ignored it, allowing it to continue. At this point in her life, Kim feels that she has somewhat forgiven her uncle, who has since died, but she still wrestles with the idea of forgiving her aunt.
Father Dave is able to offer some sage advice about what forgiveness really entails and how to approach it. He debunks the idea that forgiveness is the same as condoning someone’s actions and affirms the mercy and love of God, even in times of suffering and doubt.
If you or someone you know is suffering from abuse, visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline website which has an abundance of resources and phone numbers to assist you in getting help, or call the National Domestic Violence Hotline 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). All calls are confidential and anonymous.
(Original Air 05-12-16)