Erring

By Klaus Döring

To err is human – to forgive is divine. The British poet Alexander Pope (1688-1744) created this saying. And, in my opinion, he was very right. Erring – having failed to adhere to the proper or accepted standards. How many times have we done something wrong?

In our daily life struggles, we also pass innumerable periods of splendid isolation and act, as William Shakespeare said, “Thoughts are free” by hurting and insulting relatives, friends, and colleagues. Many times we err, and, even if we know it, we don’t care. BAHALA SILA…

Maybe we pray and ask for forgiveness. And, we are so sure of having our complimentary ticket in our pockets and pouches. Nobody is perfect – sure! Me too! Yes, I confess! But that’s no excuse for broken promises.

How many times do we commit a mistake? How many times are we mistaken, or get astray? How many times do we sin?

How often do we catch ourselves being roving, wandering, and acting eccentric, changeable, capricious, and not dependable? Or, how many people in our surroundings do we meet daily, who err terribly on their decisions? I am not talking about the deviation from right or truth and the sins, blunders, and mistakes, which we make in our daily life.

To err is human, sure – but not if we err willfully, intentionally, or if legal premeditation is done. But the second part of my today’s column here is much more important: forgiveness! Yes, forgiveness is divinity – meaning to say: godhead and theological together.

I looked into my dictionaries and found innumerable explanations: “If we can forgive, we are belonging to, or, we are having the nature of God. We might be holy, sacred, heavenly, or a superhuman -being a priest, a pastor, a clergy, or theologian!”

I guess it’s already a wonderful situation, after being insulted or hurt by someone to hear the simple expression “SORRY!” Yes, it’s coming from the bottom of the heart. “SORRY!” … – and I ask God also to forgive all my sins and my wrongdoings to others.

Regarding “seeking forgiveness” we can find plenty of passages in our Holy Bible. The most touching part for me is being found in Proverbs 28:13: “You will never succeed in life if you try to hide your sins. Confess them and give them up, then God will show mercy to you!”

“Erring” taxi drivers never die out. When I returned from my last long trip before Covid-19 stopped all travel plans, I met one, asking me for an extra charge of 50 Pesos because of the incalculable waiting period at the airport. The taxi number and company are noted. Just in case… Of course, I didn’t pay the extra charge and boarded another taxi…

Email: doringklaus@gmail.com or follow me on Facebook, Linkedin or Twitter or visit www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com or www.klausdoringsclassicalmusic.blogspot.com.