Forgiveness and Forgetting

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In a message dated 9/24/98 9:11:30 AM EST, mshaw@teleplex.bsu.edu writes:

<< However, I do not forget and would never put myself in a  position again to
be victimised like that.
 
 Is it true forgivenenss if I cannot over-ride these defensive feelings
concerning the individual?  Because God forgets, are we to forget as well?
  >>
My pastor often says this.  If a person cuts off your hand,  you go through a
terrible ordeal.  But if the person who cut it off comes to you asking your
forgiveness.  You must give them forgiveness.  However,  he also says that
every time you look at that nub where a hand used to be,   you will remember
what has happened and who caused it.  So you will never truly forget.  And you
of course will be cautious to make sure that you keep the other hand.  
       But,  another pastor,  Bishop Clifton Jones of Mississippi,  says that
by the same token,  the "I'll forgive you.  But I'm gonna feed you with a
long-handled spoon" approach,   is also not true forgiveness.   True
forgiveness comes when a person has wronged you and you are able to forgive
them.   And you will know this when you are able to treat them as if they
never committed the offense.  Also true forgiveness will give you a lightness
of soul.  It feels supernatural because it is actually a gift from God.  
     God Bless you!
Marlon