But the prophet insists “though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow.” White without blemish. We may imagine this is the only true aim of forgiveness—to be washed clean of any blemish of anger, resentment, or pain. But the prophet is referring to the forgiveness that God grants. And while we need not hold ourselves up to the same standard, old resentments may emerge. So, it’s important that see this ideal as an idea to aim at rather than a standard to achieve. How might you be setting your standards too high and, thus, not allowing yourself the freedom to feel the anger and hurt that your forgiveness won’t allow right now? Tell a story of how this may be happening in your life today.

–David Wolpe