Forgiveness in an Age of Anger

by Michael Corthell

The dictionary says that to 'forgive' means to stop being angry or resentful toward someone or something. That, of course, would also include yourself. In fact, that should be your first stop on any spiritual journey. And today, in 2021, that forgiving spirit could be the one thing that saves our world.

''...if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins...''

—Matthew 6

Forgiveness is about dissipating negative energy (self-loathing, grudges, victimization, etc.). These things can severely harm your health and wellbeing. (Forgiveness is not 'letting someone else or yourself 'off the hook' for harm caused, however.) Forgiveness is an act of love — first yourself and then others.

First, you have to learn how to love and accept yourself for who and what you are by being honest with yourself.

Secondly, you need to expect love in your life, and in all your relationships, including the world.  Here I have to remind you of the Law of Attraction that says you attract to yourself what you put out into the world and that we all become what we feel and think about most.

Thirdly, look for the positive in every person and every situation. Finding that goodness in others and all things will help you achieve your own goals(happy fulfillment of your life's purpose), by attracting the same to you.

The fourth step is to work for the highest good of all people and all life. You cannot hold a grudge if you are working toward the common good and doing so with love for yourself, love for others and a spirit of Faith in God.

You do all of this by surrendering your expectations to the Universe (God).

Releasing blame and judgment is absolutely necessary to becoming a success — a success in all areas of your life.

Forgiveness is a act of the spirit. It is therefore grounded humility. Forgiving people are humble people. They are also accepting people, accepting of life on life's (the Universe) terms.

The bottom-line of a forgiving spirit is following the "golden rule", 'do unto others as you would have done in to you'. Knowing this, you will be willing to forgive — even repeated harms or trespasses.

''Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, when someone won't stop doing wrong to me, how many times must I forgive them? Seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, you must forgive them more than seven times. You must continue to forgive them even if they do wrong to you seventy-seven times.'''

One final thought on forgiveness. Fair warning. Make sure that when you are forgiven, that when it is your turn to forgive, that you also forgive. God hates hypocrisy and the Universe takes strong action against that type of unkindness.   

Love saves and heals, but hate and un-forgiveness will destroy and make life desolate. Developing a forgiving spirit will enrich your live. In fact it just may save your life.

_______________________

Forgiveness in an Age of Anger

by Brant Hansen

We think we're entitled to "righteous anger", but is it really so righteous? And does anger actually help us fight injustice? In an increasingly angry culture, Brant Hansen encourages us to re-think our assumptions, and embrace a lifestyle of forgiveness.

Brant Hansen is a nationally-syndicated radio host, does extensive work for CURE International, and he is author of Unoffendable: How Just One Change Can Make All of Life Better:

Isn't taking offense normal? Aren't we supposed to get offended? Isn't anger at sin justifiable? If God gets mad, why can't we?

Brant Hansen asks a radical, freeing question: What if Christians were the most unoffendable people on the planet? And he offers a life-changing idea: "righteous anger" is a myth, and giving up our "right" to be offended can be one of the most healthy, simplifying, relaxing, refreshing, stress-relieving, encouraging things we can do.