Dear Spiritual Family,
Of all the tools in our “Spiritual Tool Box,” forgiveness is a primary one. Here, we are speaking of authentic forgiveness as described by Jesus in A Course in Miracles: “Forgiveness recognizes that what you thought your brother did to you has not occurred. It does not pardon sins and make them real. It sees there was no sin. And in that view are all your sins forgiven.”
It’s possible to attempt to “water down” the concept of forgiveness in any number of ways but we can honestly ask ourselves, “what’s the point in doing so except to extend the pain of holding onto the past? Why not forgive, whole-heartedly?”
Dr. Roger Teel in This Life Is Joy asks the question, “What then is forgiveness? Forgiveness is one of the highest expressions of self-love. It is loving yourself enough to move out of that stuck place, to get out of the quicksand. It is taking all of the energy devoted to fear and resentment, and channeling it into something that is constructive, life-giving and uplifting.”
If all the great Masters and virtually all of the great teachers of the ages, including the present day ones, are pointing to true, unvarnished forgiveness as the “tool,” the great practice that can heal our pain and set us free, then it’s reasonable to ask, “why am I leaving it in my Spiritual Tool Box? What is my hesitation in not regularly and with earnest intent, using this gift to find true peace and freedom?”
When we choose this powerful implement, we are not only demonstrating great self-love, we are bestowing a divine blessing on others and conferring light and love in our world as a whole.
If forgiveness, indeed, removes the blocks to the awareness of love’s presence as is taught in ACIM, and if “all we need is love” as sung by The Beatles, then perhaps we have incentive enough to reveal in our own lives – what the big deal about forgiveness really is.
The task may seem too daunting. You may wonder, “Am I ‘spiritual’ enough to forgive myself and others in this way?” We can assure you, if the heartfelt intention is there, God is here to help. It is “the Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom” but we must be willing to make ourselves available. And surely, as night follows the day, God will do His part through His Holy Spirit, through our indwelling and ever Present, Christ, to make the fruits of such intention visible and life-giving for us. What’s the “big deal?” Let’s find out!
We love you,
Rev. Steve and Mary