"Now this was a great marvel to the soul, continually shown in everything and considered with great attentiveness: that in regard to himself our Lord God cannot forgive, for he cannot be angry — it would be an impossibility. For this is what was shown: that our life is all grounded and rooted in love, and without love we cannot live; and therefore to the soul which through God's special grace sees so much of his great and marvelous goodness, and sees that we are joined to him in love for ever, it is the greatest impossibility conceivable that God should be angry, for anger and friendship are two contraries." (Long Text 49, p. 112)

[Mary Earle commentary.] "Here Julian offers an astounding insight: If God cannot be angry, then logically God cannot forgive. Her long years of reflecting and pondering have led her to make a statement that continues to startle her readers. God's loving nature rules out both anger and forgiveness. Julian is not saying human beings don't need to forgive one another, but she does claim that God's nature is love beyond our comprehension or experience."