Forgiveness
Forgiveness is tough, dangerous and exciting: tough because of our human nature; dangerous because it forces us to take responsibility for our future; exciting because it frees us to become our best selves.
When we forgive others and accept responsibility for our future, we will have a heavy burden lifted from our shoulders. With the weight removed, we will immediately have a brand new attitude and outlook on life. Then we can move upward and onward infinitely faster. And we will be happier, healthier and have considerably more fun in life.
As long as there is bitterness, resentment or anger toward another person, we might not deliberately wish that person ill luck, but we would not exactly cry or lose any sleep over unfortunate things happening in that person’s life. It is safe to say that if any good thing happens in the person’s life, our resentment is kindled anew. Whether we admit it or not, that is just another way of saying we want to extract a measure of revenge for what that person has done to us.
As a practical matter, until we forgive the person who offended us, he is our enemy, and we are at war. The problem with war between individuals is that almost always there are two losers. The beauty of making peace with that person is that now there is an excellent chance of having two winners. True forgiveness on our part makes us the winner.
Forgiveness is not something that happens to the other person. It is something that happens to me. Forgiveness is important because without it we are destined, inevitably, to a life marred by anger, bitterness and hatred. These emotions only compound the tragedy. We alone pay the price by carrying around the negative emotion on the inside, allowing them to contaminate every element of our being. Forgiveness is not a feeling that we must passively wait to wash over us. Forgiveness is a choice. A choice that we can be free from the imprisonment of anger and bitterness. I am not suggesting it is an easy choice; only a necessary choice.
The most important thing we can do for ourselves is forgive the other person. It is hardest when that other person is me. Forgiving others and ourselves is a process and not an event. Patience and prayer can be our best asset. But the rewards are worth the effort.
Quote: “The quality of mercy is not strained; It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven. Upon the place beneath. It is twice blessed -- It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes.” (William Shakespeare)
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