Tariq mahmood Awan
The statement, to err is human, to forgive is divine, always propelled me to think deeply about the concept. Then, I realized it is simply to forgive when you are powerful. That is the same as what we expect from the divine.
The concept of “to err is human, to forgive is divine” is a well-known saying expressing that humans are prone to make mistakes, but forgiving others is a noble and virtuous quality. The origin of this phrase can be traced back to the 18th-century English poet Alexander Pope, who wrote in his famous Essay on Criticism: “To err is human; to forgive, divine “. Pope was probably inspired by earlier writers, such as the Greek philosopher Plutarch and the English poet Thomas Jones, who also explored the themes of human error and divine forgiveness.
The meaning of this concept can be understood from different perspectives, such as moral, psychological, religious, and social.
The moral perspective focuses on human error and forgiveness’s ethical implications and consequences. From this point of view, forgiving others is a moral duty and a virtue, as it shows respect, compassion, and generosity towards those who have wronged us. Forgiving others also benefits us, as it frees us from resentment, anger, and bitterness that can harm our mental and physical health. However, forgiving others does not mean condoning or forgetting their actions, nor does it imply that justice or accountability should be ignored or compromised. Forgiving others requires discernment, wisdom, and courage to balance mercy and justice and to seek reconciliation and restoration.
Then, the psychological perspective examines the cognitive and emotional processes and effects of human error and forgiveness. From this point of view, forgiving others is a psychological challenge and a skill, as it involves overcoming negative emotions and thoughts that are triggered by the perceived or actual harm caused by others. Forgiving others also requires empathy, perspective-taking, and communication to understand the offender’s motives and feelings and express one’s own needs and expectations. Forgiving others can enhance one’s psychological well-being, as it reduces stress, anxiety, depression, and hostility and increases self-esteem, happiness, and optimism. However, forgiving others is not a one-time event or a quick fix but a complex and dynamic process that may vary depending on the severity and frequency of the offence, the relationship between the parties involved, and the context and culture in which they operate.
Moreover, the Religious perspective relates to the theological and spiritual dimensions and sources of human error and forgiveness. From this point of view, forgiving others is a religious commandment and a gift, as it reflects the nature and will of God, who forgives sinners out of love and grace. Forgiving others also enables one to experience God’s forgiveness for oneself, as it demonstrates one’s faithfulness and obedience to God’s word and example. Forgiving others can foster one’s religious growth, as it deepens one’s relationship with God and with other people who share the same faith community. However, forgiving others is not a human achievement or a merit but a divine grace and a response to God’s grace. Forgiving others requires humility, repentance, confession, prayer, and worship to acknowledge one’s own sinfulness and need for God’s forgiveness.
As far as the social perspective is concerned, it considers the interpersonal and communal aspects and outcomes of human error and forgiveness. From this point of view, forgiving others is a social necessity and a resource, as it helps to maintain or restore harmony and cooperation among individuals or groups who have conflicts or grievances. Forgiving others also contributes to social change and justice, as it challenges the cycles of violence and vengeance that perpetuate oppression and injustice. Forgiving others can promote social cohesion and development, as it strengthens social bonds and trust among diverse members of society who share common values and goals. However, forgiving others is not a passive or submissive act or a denial of reality but an active and constructive act that seeks to transform reality. Forgiving others requires dialogue, negotiation, mediation, apology, and restitution to address the underlying issues and needs of both parties.
There is a solid case to forgive. However, there are compulsions where avenging is crucial, especially in collective causes involving more significant missions. Forgiveness is a virtue that can heal wounds and restore harmony. However, there are some situations and excesses where one should not forgive because that would violate one’s dignity, integrity, or safety.
Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse can cause lasting trauma and damage to the victim. Forgiving the abuser may imply condoning their actions or minimizing their harm. The victim may also feel pressured to stay in the abusive relationship or situation, which can endanger their well-being. Betrayal of trust, loyalty, or faithfulness can shatter the bond between two people. Forgiving the betrayer may erode one’s self-respect or sense of justice. The victim may also lose confidence in their own judgment or ability to trust others.
Injustice can occur when someone is treated unfairly, discriminated against, or oppressed by another person or group. Forgiving the injustice may imply accepting the status quo or giving up on one’s rights. The victim may also feel powerless or hopeless to change their situation or seek redress.
As you can see from my reasoning above, the concept of “to err is human; to forgive divine” has different meanings in different perspectives, and each perspective has its own strengths and limitations. Therefore, there is no simple or definitive way to evaluate this concept, as it depends on the criteria and viewpoint of the evaluator. Again, we should always seek forgiveness and forgive people around us. Because to err is human, to forgive is divine.
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