Four Affirmations of Divine Support for Forgiveness
This is an introduction to the first four of 12 Affirmations for Forgiveness, a scripturally based, spiritual approach to forgiveness. These affirmations are focused on our relationship with God, the transcendent Law of the Universe, the One Power.
The Origins of the 12 Affirmations for Forgiveness
The12 Affirmations for Forgiveness are 12 powerful affirmations drawn from the 10 Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) and 2 commandments that many believe are the greatest commandments; Matthew 22:37-39, Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18. The book Prosperity’s 10 Commandments by Georgiana Tree West was the inspiration for the creation of The12 Affirmations for Forgiveness; as it was for another set of 12 affirmations, “Prosperity’s 12 Affirmations”. The powerful principle that Mrs. West used so brilliantly, is that Biblical Truth is universal. It is timeless and applicable regardless of place or culture; it is applicable for collectives and individuals. The premise is that we are endowed with the ability to glean and use Truth in all aspects of our lives. Thus the 10 Commandments are an excellent foundation in any situation in which we seek freedom, and guidance for finding and living in a new ‘land’ or new state of consciousness, whether it is a new consciousness of prosperity or new consciousness of Love which enables forgiveness.
Introducing the 1st Four Affirmations
In the 10 Commandments, the first four commandments deal with our relationship with God and so it is in the 12 Affirmations for Forgiveness, the first four affirmations affirm our relation to the Lord of our Being. First we look to God as we choose how we wish to Be, what we choose to Do and what we wish to Have. Secondly we choose what we intend to ‘see’. Do we choose to see only the appearances of the world or the revelations of Spirit? Thirdly, we choose what motivates our speaking and our actions. As we affirm the 3rd affirmation we embody a deeper understanding of the power of our words and we don’t use that power in vain or for negativity. The 4th affirmation helps us to choose regular times during our activity to rest and surrender to God and allow God’s will and guidance to be foremost in our mind and heart, we invoke the power of Sabbath.
Examples of the First 4 Affirmations for Forgiveness
1. I Look to God for the Power to Forgive
a. I am a Child of God; I look to God for the Love I need to Forgive.
b. I am a Child of Love; I look to my Heavenly Father for the Love I need to Forgive and courage I need to ask for forgiveness.
2. I only Allow Divinely Inspired Images of Forgiveness Into My Consciousness
a. I am made in the image and likeness of Love; I allow divinely inspired images of forgiveness to fill my mind and heart; I can see that I have the power to forgive
b. I am made in the image and likeness of Love; the activity of God within me creates images of forgiveness in my mind and in my relationships. These images become the essence of my life experiences.
3. I Speak with Forgiveness, I Speak of Forgiveness and My Words Forgive
a. My words are born in love; they advocate forgiveness and they forgive and bless; I have the ability to forgive quickly and to ask for forgiveness sincerely.
b. I am divinely guided to speak of forgiveness and with forgiveness; my speaking creates new possibilities for forgiveness. I enjoy the experience of miracles in my life enabled by forgiveness.
4. I Surrender the Details of My Forgiveness Practice to God
a. I am guided by Divinity within me, I surrender the details of my Forgiveness practice to God. I enjoy being confident in my expressions of forgiveness.
b. I am Love in expression; I trust the Wisdom of Love. Therefore I surrender the details of my forgiveness practice to the God within me, the Source of my wisdom of love. I am able to allow love to flow in any situation with anyone.
I encourage you to use the above examples as a starting point for your experiment with these four affirmations for forgiveness; craft new affirmations that you find personally empowering. The key is to spend time with these ideas and to make them your own. These 4 affirmations, affirm Love which is the essence our relationship with the Source of All Being – God. How can you internalize these first 4 affirmations and make them a part of your habitual thinking?
My Ability to Love Is More Powerful than the Pain of an Offense.
Love is the most powerful feeling that I could ever experience. Love is stronger than hate. 
Love is stronger than pain.I love those who have hurt me. Loving others doesn’t mean that I approve of their offense. Rather, it’s simply my way of preventing bitterness from taking root in me and destroying me from the inside out. An offense hurts, but bitterness destroys, that is why I choose to love and to forgive.When another person hurts me, love reveals to me the hurt inside that person. People who hurt others are often hurting even more themselves. Through love, I can see that person differently and, rather than just forgive them, I can actually begin to feel love for them.When someone hurts me, love causes me to pray for them. When I pray for another, my feelings toward them transform to feelings of care and concern.To be able to love someone past the hurt, I first evaluate their intentions. People are not perfect and sometimes do things they don’t mean to do. In those instances, I am gracious and humble enough to accept people just the way they are.There are some people who are hurtful on purpose. Those people are the hardest to love, but they are the ones that need the most love. Instead of stepping down to their level and engaging in immature behavior, I choose to love them anyway.Today, I choose to love others regardless of how they treat me. My heart is free from the chains of bitterness that try to trap me. Offenses have no authority over my heart.
Self-Reflection Questions:
1. Dealing with Hurt
a. How have you hurt someone else?
b. How has another person hurt you?
2. Overcoming Anger, Guilt and Shame
a. How can you harness and then diminish your anger?
b. How do you process your guilt?
c. When have you felt shame?
3. Assess Your Willingness to Forgive
a. Are you willing to look for some blessing in the situation which caused you pain?
b. Are you willing to see the situation from the other person’s point of view?
Prospering Power of Forgivness Teleconference Materials Ready
Thank you for your patience in waiting for the posting of the study materials, handouts and recording of the teleconference. There were issues with the recording that I have tried my best to resolve. The volume of the recording is lower than optimal so you may need to increase the volume of your computer speakers or wear a headset to listen to the recording. I hope that you find the materials useful. You may gain access by the page link in the right column Prospering Power of Forgiveness Teleconference Materials or click this link: Prospering Power of Forgiveness Teleconference Materials
Rev. Brian and I invite your comments and questions in the comments area of this post or send us an e-mail to revbgriffin@gmail.com and charles@prosperingtimes.com
Thank you
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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Forgiveness Is Food for the Soul
by Tracey Mulry
Hatred and anger are such a waste of energy. These toxic emotions create stress, ill will and put so much negativity into the world when the focus should be on peace and calm. When there is conflict in our lives, it is difficult to concentrate and perform our daily activities. Our health suffers. Without realizing, those closest to us are affected as negativity permeates we touch or associate with.
Often when there is bad blood with someone, just the thought of their name can create stress in your body. Relationships are such an important part of day to day living. It is not disputed that when someone causes you pain, it is only natural that the first reaction is to lash out and hurt them. That person could also be having a tough time of life and the closest person is often the target. Often words that are spoken are done in the heat of the moment. Once spoken, it is difficult to retract words that are spiteful and unkind. An email or SMS that is sent in haste in anger is then out there forever. Too late – you can’t change what has been said. It cannot be taken back or revoked.
Being able to forgive and move on is not always the easiest task to do. Accepting that someone who has wronged you wants to say sorry, it is equally important to allow that person that opportunity. How much courage and strength has it taken to be able to front up, knowing that a possible rejection could be likely?
Saying sorry can be laced with so many hidden agendas if it does not come from the heart. When you forgive someone who has caused you pain and suffering, hurt and anguish, a door opens in your heart that allows you to receive the apology offered – and it must be received with good grace.
Notice how good it feels when the healing of the relationship has taken place. The stress, agitation, anger and het up feelings that go with anger are replaced with a calmness and tranquility.
The ability to both forgive and say sorry require no more than going into your heart and understanding that goes around usually comes around. If you can forgive and say sorry, the chances are that other people will also do the same for you.
Visit http://www.challengeofhappiness.com today for a step by step guided program towards helping you achieve true happiness in your life.
The Challenge of Happiness guides through a step by step process towards living a balanced and happy life. Tracey Mulry will be your happiness and success strategist and help you boost your self esteem, become a positive person, maintain healthy relationships, overcome stress, learn to relax and remove negative emotions from your life. Take the online course today and live a happy life!
Tracey Mulry is an extraordinary individual who is now a success and happiness strategist, author, inspirational Australian, motivational speaker. Tracey guides you towards finding your true happiness through her life skills and wealth of experience. From the lowest of the low now soaring to new heights of self esteem, Tracey and her program can help you achieve your goals.
http://www.challengeofhappiness.com
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The Power of Forgiveness by Rabbi Vicki Axe
“I forgive you.”
Three of the most powerful words in the English language. And perhaps three of the most difficult to utter. The sacred command to seek forgiveness and to forgive is the ultimate task of the Jewish New Year season. The 10 days beginning with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, and ending with Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, are known as the Ten Days of Repentance. With heads bowed in contrition, we gather every year to recite communal and personal litanies of confession and forgiveness. We pray that God, arbiter and judge, will respond to the sincerity and humility of our words with love and compassion.
The Divine injunction to confess our sins is clear, and the holy instruction to atone for our sins is clear. These prayers are even recited daily for the month leading up to the New Year and on Yom Kippur we recite these prayers not once, but five times. We ask God for forgiveness, and we ask one another for forgiveness, reciting in unison, “For transgressions against God, the Day of Atonement atones, but for transgressions of one human being against another, the Day of Atonement does not atone until they have made peace with one another.”
The text that follows is equally, if not more compelling: “I hereby forgive all who have hurt me, all who have wronged me, whether deliberately or inadvertently, whether by word or by deed. May no one be punished on my account.” So it is not enough to confess and repent in our hearts. We are commanded to seek forgiveness from God and from those whom we have hurt or wronged. And we are commanded to grant forgiveness, to forgive those who have hurt us, to forgive ourselves.
We are living in an era of distrust, distrust for everything and everyone. We profile people on first glance before we ever take the time to find out who they are. I am reminded of the movie Babel. In one film we are witness to a vacationing couple viewed as ugly Americans, peaceful Moroccan shepherds assumed to be terrorists, a hardworking Asian businessman surveyed as an arms dealer, a loving Mexican housekeeper accused of kidnapping the very children she cares for, a deaf teenager struggling with acceptance among her classmates. All are victims of profiling.
We all do it. I was pregnant with my oldest son, Judah, waiting for a subway in New York, alone on the platform, when two black men appeared. I just wanted to disappear as I feared for my life and the life of my unborn son. They started walking toward me and actually came into my space. And when they were almost in my face, they looked me right in the eye and said “So what do you think it’s gonna be — a boy or a girl?” I felt immediately relieved and very ashamed. This was in 1978 before we knew the word profiling, but that is exactly what I did. I would love to find those two gentlemen now and seek forgiveness. I guess the best I can do is to forgive myself.
We’ve become an angry, unforgiving society. People across political lines are unable to forgive the opposing side for differing points of view. People across cultural lines are unable to forgive each other for differing ways of life. People across lines of ideology are unable to seek reconciliation through diplomacy and dialogue. Forgiveness is a very powerful weapon when it is used as an overture to dialogue to find common ground.
I suggest that as the Jewish community prepares for the Ten Days of Repentance, the world community can follow our lead to reach across lines of misunderstanding and hurt and anger. The Rev. Noel McInnis is vice president of the Worldwide Forgiveness Alliance, a nondenominational educational foundation born out of that fateful day on 9/11 when our lives were changed forever. Dedicated to evoking the healing power of forgiveness worldwide, he suggests that “Since nothing can be forgiven for us that is not first forgiven by and through us, there is only one species of forgiveness: self forgiveness.” And once we forgive ourselves for being who we are, we can turn to those around us and offer forgiveness. We can turn to the world and offer forgiveness. We can say, “I forgive you.” Three of the most powerful words in the English language. And perhaps three of the most difficult to utter. It will be the most healing, liberating act we can ever perform. It will transform us.
Rabbi Vicki L. Axe is spiritual leader of Congregation Shir Ami in Greenwich, www.congregationshirami.org
