Spiritual Forgiveness: Creating a Reason to Forgive
Creating a Reason to Forgive - A Choice That Can Heal and Prosper Your Life
Who Says I Must Forgive? There are compelling reasons to forgive found in sacred writings and psychological literature. However, probably the most convincing reason to forgive is our own instinctual realization that we will feel better if we could do something about our negative feelings toward ourselves or someone else.
Christian Scripture:
- Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
The evidence from scripture strongly implies the importance and the healing effect of forgiveness upon the soul and the body. However, all of the evidence in the world is of no benefit to you if you do not first make the choice to forgive and then act on the choice. Once you have chosen to forgive, your next step is to take action in the forgiveness process.
So I Choose to Forgive, Where Do I Begin? If your spiritual path is that of a Christian, I suggest that you begin by reading Rev. Gary Inrig's book, Forgiveness. He clearly puts forgiveness into a Christian context and demonstrates how seeking forgiveness, practicing repentance, granting forgiveness, and expressing grace; glorify God and reveal His character.
For an inclusive spiritual approach that has foundational elements in psychology and philosophy, I recommend the book Radical Forgiveness by Colin Tipping and its associated exercises and practices. Tipping states that one does not have to believe all of the assumptions of Radical Forgiveness in order for its practice to make a difference in one's life. The emphasis is on your willingness to forgive. To coin a phrase, even if your willingness to forgive is as small as a mustard seed, you can still experience forgiveness using the Radical Forgiveness techniques. The Radical Forgiveness website, www.radicalforgiveness.com, offers an excellent introduction to the Radical Forgiveness process.
Take the Next Step
If you have chosen to forgive and you find an approach to forgiveness that is appealing, your next step is to follow through by reading one of the cited books or one of the many forgiveness books currently available. Then connect with someone you already know who has some creditable experience with forgiveness and begin an empowering conversation around forgiveness. Making such an intentional start will initiate resonances that will lead you into an expanding experience of forgiveness.
When it is all said and done, regardless of emphasis, most of the experts tend to agree that forgiveness benefits both the forgiver and the forgiven. Practicing forgiveness makes sense as a gift you give to yourself. It also makes sense as a practice that you do for another, by contributing to the healing of their pain and guilt, you heal your own pain. Probably the most significant reason to seek or grant forgiveness is that your practice of forgiveness brings more love into the world and helps to demonstrate the possibility that we humans can live and work together for our mutual benefit without destroying ourselves or the planet we share with all of God's earthly creation.
Finally, your very next step can be to join us in the forgiveness conversation at http://www.weforgive.ning.com You will have access to more forgiveness articles, have the ability to ask questions and discuss your forgiveness insights and explorations with others.
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