Why Forgive? - Yom Kippur

Why Forgive?
Yom Kippur 5780

Why forgive someone who hurt you? Why forgive someone who insulted or berated you? Why forgive those you vehemently disagree with? Why forgive those who have cheated you? Why forgive those that have lied to you? Why forgive those that have a different political or religious ideology than you? Why forgive those that have done you harm? Why forgive stupidity? Why forgive brazen insolence? Why forgive rudeness? Why forgive those that have acted against your explicit instructions? Why forgive at all?

Be like G-d. Forgive

Avinu Malkeinu-Our Father, our King, be gracious to us and answer us, for we have no meritorious deeds; deal charitably and kindly with us an deliver us. (Machzor Liturgy)

Could you possibly imagine if G-d asked these very same questions towards each of us?

We would certainly be doomed.

Instead, G-d is merciful and forgives us. Yes, of all of the above and more, because he is gracious and kind.

Our world is better off, if we forgive. We are better off, if we forgive.

Be like G-d. Forgive.

Have an easy and meaningful Yom Kippur.
Gmar Chatima Tova,