Forgiveness - Your Greatest Healer
Be assured that if you knew all, you would pardon all.
– Thomas A. Kempis.
Forgiveness is a gift that has been given to us freely. If we embrace this gift, our lives will forever be changed and our path will have been forever altered. If we still ourselves and enter into our own silence, we will begin to comprehend just what forgiveness really means. It is not for the faint-hearted.
As I contemplate the concept of forgiveness, my mind wanders back many years ago when a close friend deeply hurt me. The hurt that I felt was so profound that I allowed it to turn into anger. As long as I live, I will never forget one night in my bed, feeling this anger manifest as something very dark in my physical body. It was as though angry lightning shot through my every vein and bone. It frightened me and it was that night that I asked God to help me. Never again did I want to allow anger to have such a powerful hold on me. Over time, I was able to forgive this friend as I changed my own perception of things.
It was only recently that my prayer and determination of “never again” was thoroughly tested. The time had come to see if being injured again by a very dear friend, would manifest the fruits that I had desired so many years ago. It was a test that I would have never expected.
As I knelt in prayer and felt the agony and pain of betrayal so intensely again, I heard myself saying to God, “I will only bless and bless again. Only blessings will come from my mouth and only blessings will come through these hands.”
Thus, I’ve managed to work through some deep pain with only a desire in my heart to find healing and peace. The feeling in my heart has been one of love and compassion, knowing that we only understand in part. Feelings of anger and betrayal that I felt so strongly, I turned over to God over and over again. My commitment to what I had promised myself so many years ago was deeply edged into my heart. Love was going to be the only answer. Thus, through forgiveness, I have found my own healing and thus I am convinced that it is forgiveness that becomes our greatest healer.
I have seen in others and myself what anger and unforgiveness can do to a human being. It will only further a victim mentality, only nurse self-pity, and it only keeps a person from following their truest potentials in life. It serves no purpose whatsoever and only robs the person of integrity and their own sense of well being. Most of all, it keeps us from trusting and loving again and thus walls of separation are created between men. The beauty of the human soul is veiled with a dark veil of bitterness.
How much stronger is the power of forgiveness which ultimately is the power of love. To be able to forgive allows one to reclaim their personal power. It frees one of pre-conceived notions of how life should be and how others should treat us. Furthermore, it allows one to let go of grievances, allowing the flow of life’s energy to flow freely and unrestricted through us and to us. Forgiveness brings freedom. The beauty of its expression with its outstretched arms, dismantles fears and doubts.
As we walk on our spiritual path we gain greater understanding of how much we don’t know. Humility does its work deep in our hearts, which will lead to greater wisdom and a deeper understanding of our relationships with others. We are given the realization that each and every person does the best they know to do with the understanding they have at the time. Many of our dealings with others are born out of fear. We all are growing and learning, and we continue to evolve as we seek a spiritual path of excellence.
Love is the greatest manifestation of God on this earth. Our path must be practical for it to be effective. It must start with those who hear a voice echoing within the silence of their own hearts, beckoning to release the power of forgiveness, and to let the manifestation of its love heal our own brokeness, and the broken lives of those around us.
I totally agree with this wonderful article you have written, as a Medium forgiveness is one of the first things I have learned, that this is self healing, but for a while I found it difficult to come to terms with. But like yourself I have realised the benefit of forgiveness, it is like a light beaming out to others, it would be so nice if everyone felt this way, the world would be a much better place. Your article truly backs up the training I have had as a medium, and it is also confirmation of our Heavenly Father’s love for us. I feel really inspired by your article.
Comment by Allaina — March 21, 2007 @ 1:25 am
This is a great write on forgiveness and it’s a great healer indeed I enjoyed reading this too.
Steve
Comment by Steve — March 21, 2007 @ 11:58 am
I appreciate your write. If those who claim the Lordship of Christ see as you see, they would see the wisdom of the Lord as it blesses the obedient.
As I read your article, I can say I have learned the same things. What I also see in your write is someone who has shared in the fellowship of the sufferings of Christ; something the Apostle Paul alluded to in his Philippian letter.
Look at the life of Jesus, and compare it to your own. You mentioned being betrayed. Jesus was betrayed by Judas. He forgave, making a promise to not retaliate, as I’m sure you’ve made the same promise. Because you have endured/suffered as He has, you may be able to, in a more intimate way, appreciate what Jesus did for you and all of us. Because you now share in His experience here on earth, you should have a deeper connection with Him, the One who saved your soul.
Let that be an encouragement to you.
God bless!
Comment by Bob Barra — March 21, 2007 @ 6:26 pm
Forgiveness is difficult to manage for some. It often takes time to manage full forgiveness. I have forgiven many travesties and more in my life. You are right, definitely manifestation of God’s love, that’s what forgiveness would be. My favorite paragraph in this starts “How much stronger is the power of forgiveness which ultimately is the power of love.” A perfect depiction of forgiveness. Nice job.
Laura
Comment by LANEF — April 3, 2007 @ 1:51 pm
I could remember a quotation I read from a novel titled Jane Eyre when I was in Junior school whcih says “Time is too short for me to remmeber the past injustice” Time is too short for belivers to continue brewing anger oveer a split mik. Christ says “Offence shall come”but its divine to forgive. It may look difficult but I have experienced peace of mind whenever anybody offends, but only possible by looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of my faith. Moreover time is too short. Its a bubble.
Comment by Bamisayo-Francis Gbemi — August 19, 2008 @ 12:12 am
Thank you Bamisayo. I also needed to be reminded of this again. Thanks for visiting my site!
Comment by Viola Jaynes — August 19, 2008 @ 2:04 am