In forgiveness, I believe there are two things to bear in mind: a show of love or a call for love. If you encounter someone who either offends you or physically attacks you, it is a good idea to step back and go to peace and not break into pieces. You are to ask yourself the question, is this not a call for love? Then pause for a thought, and think again. Soften your heart and show your love for them, and forgive them.
After all, being One, and God’s own Masterpiece, would you really want to condemn your fellow-masterpieces? I ask you to try and make forgiveness your interest. Try to forgive whatever takes you away from your peace, surrender to the light of love that is within you, and say in your mind,
I am lifted, I am gifted, and I rise in God.
Some people may indulge in terrible acts or commit heinous crimes, but in this world of illusions, they are displaying a call for love. Their thoughts may have become twisted, as a result of which their actions, at the time, may well have seemed right to them. We are to simply ask ourselves, in having reached such a situation, do they not show a real calling for love?
Let us forgive and be of service to all. We do not have to condone or accept their actions, but we can forgive them in our mind. I personally find that when I forgive, I feel better, as I am not holding in the hurt, anger, or grudge. The Avtar Bani (270) explains it as follows:
Unless tolerance thankfulness n’ peace
Are executed by one and all – Nirankar,
They remain far away – from happiness
Ever enfolded by sorrow – Oh Nirankar!
– Hardev Bani (270)
Indeed, it is never easy; sometimes it is the hardest thing to do, but we can and should forgive. For forgiveness means letting go of your right to punish another and choosing through the power of God’s love to hold onto the other person rather than his or her offense. Katherine T Owens expresses it as follows:
God does not forgive because He has never condemned.
And there must be condemnation before forgiveness is necessary.
Forgiveness is the great need of the World
But that is because it is a world of illusions.
Those who forgive are thus releasing themselves from illusions.
While those who withhold forgiveness, are binding themselves to them.
As you condemn only yourself, so do you forgive only yourself?
The Hawaiian prayer, The Ho’nopono, meaning move back to balance or to make things right, puts it as follows:
I Am Sorry
Please Forgive Me
Thank You
I Love You
Forgiving or generating this positive energy is of the utmost importance. When we meet in a group, we acquire and further develop the energy of love and forgiveness. We all feel this energy. Science has proven that our hearts emanate a magnetic field that spreads out in all directions. When we have positive thoughts and emotions, our heart field joins with the heart field of others around us, lifting us and helping us to grow stronger and stronger. Lord Jesus Christ sums it up as follows:
Do not judge and you will not be judged; and do not condemn, and you will not be condemned; pardon and you will be pardoned. Luke 6:37 –
James Ferris, Birmingham, UK
