You asked

what was the cultural expectation for forgiveness before jesus' teaching?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Leviticus 19:18

“‘You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people; but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am Yahweh.’”

This verse is found within the holiness code of Leviticus, a book of laws and rituals given to the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt. It outlines how they are to live as a people set apart by God, covering everything from worship to social conduct.

what might be the first step in releasing a grudge against someone in your community?

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Read alongside it

Proverbs 24:29
This proverb advises against retaliating in kind for harm received, echoing the sentiment against vengeance.
Matthew 5:43-44
Jesus expands on the 'love your neighbor' command to include enemies, pushing the boundaries of traditional understanding.
Romans 12:19
Paul reiterates the command not to take revenge, affirming that vengeance belongs to God, not individuals.

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