“Correction must be left to the One Who knows correction and forgiveness are the same.” ACIM, ch. 27.II.16

“Peter came and said to Jesus, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.” Matthew 18:21-22 NRSV

Are you a forgiving person? Do you feel you must always be right?

Forgiveness is critical to living here without bitterness and sadness. Grudges rob us of both joy and the ability to live with freedom. Forgiveness gives power and energy which can inspire other lives. Forgiveness radiates everywhere.

In the Course in Miracles, forgiveness and correction are the same. Yes, like others, I can forgive but not forget. We lie in wait for the other to fall and then we cash in, get even. It’s hard to forgive and let go. Is it possible in today’s world? How?

According to the Course and the Bible (two I know fairly well J), the ability to forgive lies in understanding who we are. If we never question our identity, as many do, we settle for identifying ourselves as mortal bodies. We will define ourselves as male or female, rich or poor, tall or short, by race, nation, education, gay or straight. Metaphysically, or beyond physical reality, these definitions are meaningless. As the Bible says, ‘There is neither Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female; you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Gal. 3:28)

In the Course, we are continually taught we are not our bodies. They are illusions, dreams of who we assume we might be. In truth, we are Spirit, one with God. How then do these ideas teach forgiveness equals correction?

Because when we forgive we forget or see beyond ourselves as temporal bodies! It’s all temporal here. In Spirit, as when in deep sleep, we are out of bodies! We are Spirit, part of the Great Immortal Nothing. So when forsaken or betrayed by another, it means nothing. Right or wrong. We let it go. It is corrected. We need nothing but free immortality. Finitude translates to infinitude.

Correction lets go and returns to peace, happiness, and joy. It’s “whatever?” In the end, wealth, health, travel, and race mean nothing! They are only temporary learning tools to let go and return to another realization called reality.

Try it! The next time someone seems to hurt or attack you, even if deserved, go with the flow. Let it go. The person missed “true you.” Become happy! Don’t worry. There is no way you lose. This is the essence of Jesus being nailed to a cross. “Father, forgive them,” he said, “they know not what they do!” It’s okay. I’m going Home.