FORGIVENESS: Part 1 of 2

Forgiveness involves the act of pardoning an offender, letting go of any resentment (based on judgment, revenge, persecution and/or anger), brought upon by a perceived wrong doing to us, by another, and giving up all claim to re-compensation.  The Greek term a·phi′e·mi literally means “let go of.”

Forgiveness is a gift that we give to ourselves; there is a strong relationship between forgiveness and mental health; forgiveness lightens our load and helps us maintain our own inner peace.  Forgiveness is essential, if we are to maintain peaceful relationships with others.  Through forgiveness, the bonds of personal relationships are strengthened.  When we forgive, our relationship with the Creator/God is strengthened and we are blessed with peace and contentment.

When we harbor feelings of judgment, revenge, persecution and/or anger, we slowly poison ourselves with toxic thoughts and emotions. As a result, we repeatedly suffer from poor health, broken relationships, stress, and/or communication difficulties. We lower our vibrational frequency to a level which limits: our ability to ascend to a place of inner peace, love and gratitude, as well as our re-connection with the Creator/God and the Divine Light/Jesus.  

Though we may have suffered at the hands of another, what has happened has happened ~ Let us not allow the behavior of others, to rob us of our happiness, by dwelling on negative thoughts and mentally ruminating over how we have been mistreated.  Let us not allow such thoughts to control our thinking.  Let us move on so we can be at peace, and heal.

Do not let yourself be conquered by the evil, but keep conquering the evil with the good.  Romans 12: 21

Some people with whom we are in personal relationship with, are repeatedly unkind to us.  Forgiveness does not mean that we approve of their behavior or minimize any damage created by their behavior.  Having said that, it is in our best interest to maintain a positive relationship with this person, by not keeping track of any wrong doings this person may have already done to us.  We all stumble in word and in deed on a regular basis. 

For we all stumble many times. If anyone does not stumble in word, this one is a perfect man, able to bridle also [his] whole body. James 3:2  

   

The offender, like each of us, is a victim of human imperfection.  With this realization, we can then allow ourselves to imagine the motivating pain and/or suffering behind the perceived wrong-doing behavior.  When we can imagine this, we can forgive more easily.   

One of the greatest things that any of us have, is prayer.  It is hard to stay angry with someone, for very long, when we are praying for them, so pray for the offender.  

“Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those persecuting you.”  Matthew. 5:44.

If a person asks for forgiveness, it will serve us well to keep in mind that, if the shoe were on the other foot, we would want the other person to forgive us.  It will also serve us well to do the same for our offender, no matter how often it happens.  Forgiving others for personal offenses, regardless of the number of times involved, is a Christian requirement; there is no arbitrary limit on forgiveness.

Then Peter came up and said to him: “Lord, how many times is my brother to sin against me and am I to forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him: “I say to you, not, Up to seven times, but, Up to seventy-seven times.”  Mathew 18:21-22

Pay attention to yourselves. If your brother commits a sin give him a rebuke, and if he repents forgive him. Even if he sins seven times a day against you and he comes back to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”  Luke 17:3-4

There are times when a person might intentionally hurt us; there are also times when an offender may not be remorseful or ask for forgiveness.  The Creator/God prescribed a way for seeking and receiving his forgiveness. A person must acknowledge and confess his/her wrong-doing, recognize that it was an offense not just to another person, but also against the Creator/God, feel deep heartfelt sorrow and remorse, be determined to change his/her ways, and to the best of his/her ability, fix any damage done. It matters not how far one falls, but the strength of his/her determination to set matters right, rise above the wrong-doing, and move forward.

When we encounter a non-remorseful offender, it is in our best interest to lovingly release the person to the Creator/God, leave the relationship, and move on with our life.  Although divine forgiveness is expansive and generous, the Bible states that we should not pray for those sinning against the Holy Spirit, with no repentance, as this is a deliberate practice of malicious, willful sin, for which there is no forgiveness. 

On this account I say to YOU, Every sort of sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the spirit will not be forgiven.  Matthew 12:31 

It is important to remember, that when we release a person to the Creator/God, and walk away, that we do so lovingly, and without judgment.  By imitating the Creator’s/God’s attitude toward forgiveness, we step out of the picture and allow the Creator/God, to examine the offender’s thoughts and heart and guide us on our path. 

Trust in Jehovah with all your heart and do not lean upon your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5  

Return evil for evil to no one. Provide fine things in the sight of all men.  If possible, as far as it depends upon YOU, be peaceable with all men. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but yield place to the wrath; for it is written: “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says Jehovah.”  Romans 12:17-19

So it is, Sealed in Faith in the Divine Light/Jesus ... Amen

Reasonableness

-->

In the Bible, the word “reasonable” relates to the concept of being considerate, and conveys a sense of not being too strict.   Many people believe that they always need to do more, do better, or be better.  If we strive to attain unreasonable goals regardless of the cost, we subject ourselves to unnecessary stress.  Developing a reasonable view of what we CAN do, will greatly reduce our day to day stress levels.

Many of us are able to view others reasonably (with consideration), yet we find it very difficult to be considerate with ourselves. When we are reasonable, we are able to view our own circumstances in the same objective, balanced manner in which we view others.  To have a reasonable view of our own limitations can be challenging. 

We need to learn to recognize the signs that may tell us when we are approaching our own limits.  Proverbs 11:17

Once we identify our perceived limitations, it is not in our own best interest to become too lenient with ourselves, using our limitations as an excuse for doing less than we are capable of.  Though self examination and self adjustment can be challenging, it brings rich blessings.  Remember, the Creator/God never asks more of us than we can give. 

Just as it is not in our best interest to become too lenient with ourselves, it is not in our best interest to continue to focus our attention on our limitations.  To do so, prevents us from seeing what IS within our reach. 

It is to our benefit to do our best to make an honest appraisal of our abilities and limitations, and then cultivate reasonable expectations in light of our personal abilities and circumstances.  When we discern and appreciate the possibilities that ARE within our reach, instead of dwelling on our limitations, we are able to set balanced goals, and achieve a sense of achievement, despite our limitations.

The Creator/God understands human limitations and loves us when we serve him to the best of our ability, in spite of our limitations. 

Remembering that the Creator/ God is not a strict taskmaster, will help us to be modest in what we expect of ourselves, recognizing our limitations.  Micah 6:8

We may feel stress as we make personal adjustments.  Take time to speak to the Creator/God, the “Hearer of prayer” frequently.  Psalm 65:2

When we pray, we can ask the Creator/God to help us to make necessary adjustments in our lives.  Likewise, we can safely tell him about any anxiety we may be feeling, knowing that he cares for us.  1 Peter 5:7 

Self-adjustment requires personal determination and effort.  Adjusting the way we use our physical, mental, emotional and/or spiritual resources can help keep our life in balance.  When we have reasonable expectations and set reachable goals, our activities bring us deep satisfaction and joy.

“Always rejoice in the Lord. Once more I will say, Rejoice! Let your reasonableness become known to all men.”  Phil. 4:4,5

So it is, sealed in trust, faith and truth, in the Sacred Divine Light.
Amen