They say that forgiveness is a virtue, but what does it really mean to be forgiven? For Saint Teresa of Avila, forgiveness comes with a deep understanding of the goodness in people. She once said, “God has been very good to me, for I never dwell upon anything wrong which a person has done, so as to remember it afterwards. If I do remember it, I always see some other virtue in that person.”

Her quote is a testament to her faith and her ability to forgive others, even in the worst of circumstances. Saint Teresa believed that no one is entirely bad, and that everyone is capable of doing good things. Her words remind us that forgiveness is not just about letting go of past hurt, but also about seeing the good in others and acknowledging their virtues.

An Inspiring Story

There is a story about Saint Teresa that illustrates this point perfectly. One day, a sister from her monastery was spreading rumors about her, saying that she was not really as holy as people thought. The rumor spread quickly, and before long, many people in the community began to doubt her sincerity.

Saint Teresa, however, did not let the rumors get to her. Instead, she simply said, “Let her say what she will, I shall still be Theresa of Jesus, and though she was to make all the devils in hell speak against me, I would still trust in God.”

This story shows how Saint Teresa’s faith enabled her to forgive and move on from hurtful words. She recognized that the sister who spread the rumors was not entirely bad, and that she also had virtues that she could appreciate. By focusing on the good in the person, Saint Teresa was able to forgive her and move on from the situation.

Examples of Forgiveness and Virtue

Saint Teresa’s quote is a reminder to us all that forgiveness and virtue go hand in hand. Here are some examples of forgiveness and virtue in action:

• A parent who forgives a child who has made a mistake and sees the potential for growth.
• A friend who forgives a friend for breaking a promise and recognizes their loyalty in other ways.
• A co-worker who forgives a colleague for making a mistake and sees their competence in other areas.

Author – Saint Teresa of Avila Story or Background

Saint Teresa of Avila was a Spanish nun who lived in the 16th century. She was a writer, mystic, and reformer, and is considered one of the most important figures in the history of the Catholic Church. Her most famous work is “The Interior Castle,” which details her spiritual journey and mystic experiences. She is also known for her reform of the Carmelite order, which emphasized a return to simplicity and poverty.

Practical Tips for Forgiveness and Virtue

If you want to practice forgiveness and see the good in others, here are some practical tips:

• Acknowledge the hurt, but don’t dwell on it. Recognize that you are hurt, but focus on finding the good in the person who hurt you.
• Put yourself in their shoes. Try to understand their perspective and their motives. This will help you see the good in them and forgive them.
• Focus on the positive. Look for virtues in the person and acknowledge them. This will help you see the best in them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, forgiveness and virtue are two sides of the same coin. To forgive someone, you must see the good in them and acknowledge their virtues. Saint Teresa of Avila is a shining example of this, and her words serve as a reminder to us all that forgiveness is not just about letting go of past hurt, but also about seeing the good in others.

1. Forgiveness is about recognizing the good in others.
2. To forgive someone, you must see their virtues and acknowledge them.
3. Acknowledging the good in others will help you forgive and move on from past hurt.