In Orthodox teachings, forgiving one's enemy is not merely an act of magnanimity, but a powerful means to attain inner strength and spiritual dignity.

Forgiveness Beyond Remorse: A Path to Spiritual Dignity

In Orthodox teachings, forgiving one's enemy is not merely an act of magnanimity, but a powerful means to attain inner strength and spiritual dignity. When a person is able to let go of resentment—even if the adversary shows no remorse—they free themselves from the shackles of malice and open the way to God’s grace. Life examples from sacred biographies illustrate how even in the most difficult situations, forgiveness becomes a step toward the salvation of the soul and a guarantee of spiritual renewal. Such an act symbolizes a person's ability to overcome inner vices by discarding the burden of grievances as one might remove a splinter that hinders a free and pure existence. It is through this challenging choice that we draw closer to true love, inner balance, and spiritual purity, becoming bearers of grace and genuine dignity.

What is the significance of forgiving an enemy who does not show remorse in the context of Orthodox understanding of spiritual dignity?

The Orthodox perspective on spiritual dignity implies that forgiving an enemy—even when the foe does not manifest remorse—is the highest expression of inner strength and grace. Such forgiveness carries not only a moral but also a salvific significance for the soul, enabling a person to shed the weight of spiteful thoughts and grievances that hinder the acceptance of God’s grace.

One of the vivid examples is a life story recounted in the lives of the saints. After a quarrel between two Christians, one of them, despite his opponent’s lack of genuine repentance, was ready to forgive him in his final moments before execution. This story reminds us that forgiving an enemy is not just an act of generosity, but a profound spiritual decision that helps overcome inner vices and brings a person closer to God. As recounted in one of the sources:

"There was an occasion mentioned in the lives of the saints. Two Christians had a falling out and parted ways in anger. Later, when persecutions against the Church began, one of them was captured, tortured for a long time, and endured all manner of terrible torments. He was meant to take one final step—the next day, he was to be executed. When he was led to his execution, his estranged brother approached him and said, 'Forgive me, martyr of Christ.' The man looked at him and replied, 'I forgive you, brother, and I ask your forgiveness as well.' Only after this exchange was the execution carried out. Thus, the forgiveness of an enemy—even when he does not repent—can lead to spiritual dignity and salvation." (source: link txt)

Thus, forgiveness in the Orthodox context is an act that liberates one’s inner world. It enables a person to rid themselves of the "splinter" of resentment, which causes pain and hinders spiritual growth. In support of this, another instructive quote is provided:

"To forgive is to give life. By not forgiving you, I am not giving you life. To forgive is to grant freedom. I set you free. Many people say: 'I would gladly forgive, but I cannot forget.' Yet, does one really enjoy the state when a splinter is lodged in one's finger? No one would keep a splinter in their finger and claim to be well. They would hurry to remove it. He who withholds forgiveness harms himself." (source: link txt)

From these teachings it is clear that encouraging the forgiveness of an enemy, even if he does not express remorse, is the foundation of spiritual dignity. This approach not only preserves inner balance but also makes one a worthy bearer of grace, freeing one’s heart for love and inner purity.