That which I do not forgive in you, lies unforgiven within myself.
A classic Buddhist proverb states: “Holding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.” Forgiveness is one of the most important lessons life has to offer, but it is also one of the more difficult sentiments to learn and practice.
In order for us to even think of forgiveness, we must first try to understand the other person’s emotions, thoughts and feelings, while also realizing that they too have a story of their own and so forgiving their actions can become plausible.
There is nothing easy about forgiveness. It takes courage and a true consciousness of will to let go and allow yourself and the other person to come to a place of peace. When I decided to forgive the driver that killed my 9-year-old son, I struggled to believe I could.
Forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting, nor does it mean that you have given the message that what someone did was okay. It just means that you’ve let go of the anger or guilt towards someone, or towards yourself.
“When you hold resentment toward another, you are bound to that person or condition by an emotional link that is stronger than steel. Forgiveness is the only way to dissolve that link and get free.” – Katherine Ponder
We need to forgive ourselves too. When we have wronged others with our words or thoughts, we need to forgive and let go of our guilt and remorse. It is never too late to forgive and for those who have died that you still hold anger towards, allow forgiveness to them as well, so that you do not hold onto this pain in your heart, stopping the flow of love and abundance in your life.
It seems that most people need to experience a great deal of suffering before they will relinquish resistance and accept — before they will forgive.
There is such power in forgiveness, that if you knew the release that occurs for yourself and others, the peace and the love within that you start to feel afterwards, then you would never hesitate to do it.
Forgive today.
Forgiveness is unlocking the door to set someone free and realising, you were the prisoner. – Max Lucado
LIVING IN THIS MOMENT 