Have you ever been hurt by someone close to you? Maybe they left you out of an important moment in their life. Maybe they accused you of something you didn’t do. It stung, and now they’re asking for forgiveness.
Forgiveness isn’t simple. But it’s also not black and white. There are levels.
At the most basic level, any decent person with empathy and compassion rooted in their soul can forgive enough to no longer wish harm on the other. You might still feel hurt, but you don’t want them to suffer. It may not be the ultimate form of forgiveness, but it’s a good and meaningful place to start.
But there is a much higher level.
This week we read how the Jewish people once again complained, accusing Moses (and even G-d) of leading them into the desert to die. As a result of their slander, a devastating plague broke out. But when the people expressed regret and begged Moses to pray for them, he didn’t hesitate. He prayed, and the plague stopped.
Rashi highlights something profound. Moses didn’t just end the punishment, as Abraham had done when he prayed on behalf of King Avimelech. Moses went further. He gave the people a path to rebuild their relationship with G-d. His forgiveness wasn’t cold or reserved, it was wholehearted. He forgave them in a way that restored their bond to what it had been before.
Too often we “forgive” just enough to nod politely or say good morning when we pass someone. But deep down, we still hold resentment, still roll our eyes when their name is mentioned.
Moses teaches us a higher path. True forgiveness means not only moving forward, but seeing the light in the other person again. It means restoring the relationship to the point where you can celebrate their future success.