Healing Through Forgiveness
"Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34)
Even though we feel that we cannot forgive, we can. We do not prolong our pain by continuing to focus on unforgiveness. In becoming willing to forgive, we free ourselves from the bondage of an unforgiving attitude and allow divine love to flow through us unhindered. Energy that once was used to maintain an unmoving stance is transformed into productive, constructive, loving energy. Energy is made manifest as health on every level, abundance in all our affairs, and wisdom in all our relationships.
"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, and patience...forgiving each other." (Col 3:12-13)
Unforgiveness blocks the healing love of the Lord from entering. It is not that people do not pray the right prayer, not that they do not have faith, but becasue they do not understand the necessity of forgiveness.
When we forgive, we do ourselves a big favor. We heal ourselves of the pain, hurt and bad memories. We discover humility. We rid ourselves of the sins of pride - the biggest obstacle to healing. When forgiveness is communicated, it heals others, and teaches others to do the same, it teaches others humility, it teaches others to rid themselves of the sins of pride. A big load is lifted off the heavy heart. We start with a fresh clean heart to welcome the love of the Lord to flow in. Everyone benefits. It becomes contagious and more discover the ability to love unconditionally and experience the true meaning of joy.
Total forgiveness means we forgive and forget. We do not destroy the picture and keep the negative. We totally let go of the hurt.
When we cannot forgive or ask for forgiveness, we are in bondage. It is our responsibility to free the person we hurt from the bondage and communicate our sincere desire for forgiveness. Ask that person to forgive you with all humility. Forgiveness is bitterness replaced with compassion and love.
Seek the help of the Holy Spirit to heal first that part of us that hurt others, show us how to melt our pride and put in our hearts the desire and ability to forgive, for strength and boldness to be able to communicate this desire. We need the Holy Spirit to bring to our awareness the people we hurt and the people who hurt us. Then act on it. Tell. Call. Write a letter. The sooner we forgive, the sooner we are healed. We hold the key to unlock the chain of the heavy metal ball around our leg that we drag daily. This hurt becomes a constant part or our lives that we forget is there.
Total forgiveness means being able to ask for forgiveness even from those who hurt us. Once we communicate this forgiveness to others, we have done our part in the eyes of the Lord. Allow the Holy Spirit to take it from there and melt the heart of the other person.
"And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." (Mat 6:12)
And most important of all, we need to ask God to forgive us through the sacrament of reconciliation. A good confession is done as if it is our last. Make it thorough. Write it down. Write down the names of the people you need to forgive and those who need to forgive you. Pray to the Holy Spirit to remind us of our sins, to forgive us for those that we cannot remember, to make us truly sorry and to make a good confession according to His will. Ask God to forgive us for hurting others and for hating others who hurt us.
Forgive God for the times difficulties have come into our lives, or what we thought were punishments sent by God to us, for the times we have become bitter and resentful toward God. Ask God to purify our hearts and minds with His love. Remember, we talk to God when we go to confession.
"Set your heart on His kingdom first, and on His righteousness, and all these other things will be given to you as well." (Mat 6:33)
But Lord, if there is anything that I need to do - if I need to go to a person because he is still suffering from my hand, bring to my awareness that person. I choose to forgive, and I ask to be forgiven. Remove whatever bitterness may be in my heart, Lord, and fill the empty spaces with your love. Thank you, Jesus. Amen.