Many of us have heard the phrase "mortal offense"—a wound so deep that it feels as if someone has emotionally destroyed us, leaving us unable to recover. Or perhaps it refers to a grudge so profound that it lingers until death, never truly forgiven or forgotten.

I, too, have been hurt by others. Reflecting on this idea of a “mortal offense,” I see how easy it is to dwell on painful moments. We replay the words, the tone, the look in someone’s eyes, reliving the sting again and again. Sometimes, deep down, we might even take comfort in our resentment—it shields us from self-reflection, allowing us to focus on the other person’s wrongdoing instead of our own imperfections. And so, the cycle continues for days, weeks, even years.

Modern technology has only made this worse. So much of our communication now happens through screens, and in moments of anger, it’s tempting to use the ultimate weapon of our time—the "block" button. A single tap erases someone from our digital world, sending a clear message: "You no longer exist to me." More often than not, the response is another block in return.

But how terrifying this truly is. A locked door shuts out not only apologies but also love, gratitude, and reconciliation. What if the person on the other end is sick or in danger and has no way to reach out? What if that final message—one last chance to heal a wound—never comes?

And yet, how light and joyful the heart feels when we genuinely forgive. The Christian principle “Love the person, hate the sin” serves as a reminder: forgiveness is not just about wishing someone well—it is a gift we give ourselves, a path to inner peace.

To me, a "mortal offense" is not just an injury caused by another—it is the death of the soul that occurs when we refuse to forgive. This thought keeps me from sinking too deeply into resentment, reminding me of those I may have hurt myself. The last thing I would ever want is for someone to carry an unforgivable grudge against me.

Perhaps the truest freedom lies in letting go.

Original article:  radiovera.ru/smertelnaja-obida-marija-chugreeva.html