Because I'll be away from my computer for a few days I'll send this out tonight. (rather than being late)
Hello, and thank you for all the beauty you bring to this world. The phrase 'to forgive someone' is often seen as giving something valuable to someone who has hurt or harmed you in some way, and does not seem to deserve it.
There is a far better way to consider it.
Forgiveness is about releasing the pain and anger within ourselves which was triggered by their words or actions. It's not 'it's ok that you did that to me'. It was wrong and will always have been wrong.
You are forgiving yourself for carrying destructive pain and anger within you.
You are forgiving yourself for carrying a feeling of righteous power over those who wronged you.
You are forgiving yourself for playing a victim role when you are actually a beautiful child of God.
May we sit Sunday evening for the spiritual clarity which comes of forgiveness. May we see hurtful people as being lost. May we be loving of ourselves enough to love others in turn.
Revertently offered,
Richard