Читать книгу Above and Beyond - J.S. Dorian - Страница 27

“‘I can forgive, but I cannot forget,’ is only another way of saying, ‘I will not forgive.’ Forgiveness ought to be like a canceled note—torn in two, and burned up, so that it never can be shown against one.”

HENRY WARD BEECHER

It’s hard to disagree with the proposition that forgiveness is a powerful force for healing. Many of us know from experience that the act of forgiving can mend relationships, making it possible for love to flow again. Forgiveness can turn the tide of self-destructive negativity and set us free by dissolving toxic and tormenting resentments.

Before we became truly willing to be forgiving, and before we became fully capable of practicing forgiveness, we first had to uncover and discard some of the strange beliefs that were standing in our way. We had long felt, for example, that few acts are sweeter and more satisfying than revenge.

We also had to disavow the notion that proving someone else wrong elevates us in some way. We had to confront and repudiate the belief that some people deserve to be hurt, and that we have a right to manipulate someone with guilt just because he or she wronged us.

Each of these beliefs harmed no one more than ourselves. By accepting this reality and by giving forgiveness the priority it deserves in our lives, we are not only unburdening ourselves but are being healed as well.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Perhaps it’s time to search out the strange beliefs that are making it difficult for me to forgive myself and others.