Episode 16 - The Bold Art of Unshackling

Over the next couple weeks we will be in dialogue on Forgiveness. Forgiveness is the bold art of unshackling ourselves. Forgiveness doesn't condone bad behavior, but it releases us from the burdens of resentment and blame. It is an act of self-love because it frees us.

NOTES:

Forgiveness is letting go of the need for revenge and releasing negative thoughts of bitterness and resentment. It is not forgetting or excusing. It is directed to Self and/or others.

Forgiveness is an act of Love.

“I forgave because I believe the only thing worse than receiving a bullet in my spine would have been to nurture revenge in my heart.”  Stephen McDonald, shooting victim, 1986

LOTS of Forgiveness spoken by Jesus:

“Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.”

“Father forgive them for they don’t know what they are doing.”

“Love your enemy.”

“Your sins are forgiven.”

“You must forgive seven times seventy.”

Dialogue Questions:

What does Forgiveness mean to you?

What/who do you need to forgive? (hint: who do you complain about?)

What blocks you from the act of forgiving yourself or others?

Share a time when you let go of resentment or blame. Why/how did you do it? What happened?

Affirmation

When I find myself tempted to blame myself or another person for perceived wrongs, I pause and ask, “Is this how Love reacts?” Holding onto negative thoughts or feelings only hurts me, not the person who offended me. Forgiveness opens the way for Good to flow in and through me. In the stillness of prayer, I declare the deep desire of my heart to forgive and be forgiven. I open to Divine Love, knowing that Love rises above any perceived hurt. I am then free to be the peaceful, creative person I already am.