Radical Forgiveness

When I read the blog about Pope John Paul forgiving the man who shot him 6 times, I was in a complete state of shock.  I cannot even imagine how much strength and faith it took the late Pope to forgive his almost assassin.  Personally, I find it extremely hard to forgive someone who may have talked about me behind my back and I cannot find the strength to forgive.  I feel guilty saying that I have trouble forgiving people at times because I am causing hate and anger in the world, but it is extremely hard to forgive someone who has hurt you or a person you love in some way.  But it is absolutely unbelievable to me that the Pope forgave the man who almost killed him...the thought is utterly mind blowing.  I am glad the Pope found love and forgiveness in his heart to forgive this man with the help of God and I think every human being should look at the Pope's actions as a role model for their own life.  Forgiveness is hard, but without forgiveness there is no peace or love, and this is what starts wars and violence and hatred.  Even though I would find it extremely difficult for myself to forgive someone who tried to kill me, I commend the Pope for his faith and large amounts of forgiveness.