| 40 / Forgiving Release | |
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The sage is forgiving of inferior behavior by those around her when her freedom to progress is restored. In one’s own liberation to move ahead once again, there is also a willingness to let go and forgive others who have been a source of constraint. The danger or the threat is gone, and now comes the time to move ahead with one’s newfound freedom and release the past. |
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But learn that lesson—if ye would be loved, show thyself lovely; if ye would have friends, show thyself friendly; if ye would not be persecuted or talked about, then do not talk about others; if ye would have forgiveness, then forgive—even as ye would be forgiven. These are not merely as theorems or theses for the contemplation, but are practical, applicable experiences in the manners of the affairs and associations of each individual, if they will but be applied in the experience. 2271-1 (Q) How can I overcome antagonistic forces in self and others? (A) By actual manifesting forgiveness, more and more. As has been given, "Is it easier, Son, thy sins be forgiven, or to say Arise, take up thy bed and walk? but that ye may know that the Son hath power to forgive" [Matt. 9:5-6]—meaning to forget the weakness and give strength to those that falter. Even so, in overcoming antagonistic feelings, forgive as ye would be forgiven, remembering then no more. This overcomes antagonism and antagonistic influences; for as self was, is, an influence in dispersing feelings in hearts and souls of peoples, the thoughts held create the currents upon which the wings of experience must pass, and then—as these are made in positive contacts—so does antagonism be overcome, love made manifest, glorying in thine own ability in Him; not in self, in Him! 538-30 As ye would have mercy shown thee, ye show mercy to those that even despitefully use thee. If ye would be forgiven for that which is contrary to thy own purposes—yet through the vicissitudes of the experiences about thee, anger and wrath give place to better judgment—ye, too, will forgive those that have despitefully used thee; ye will hold no malice. For ye would that thy Ideal, that Way ye seek, hold no malice—yea, no judgment—against thee . . . Hence as ye give, ye receive. For this is mercy, this is grace. This is the beauty of the inner life lived. 987-4 In showing forth that which is manifest in thine experience, let the love that was manifested in forgiveness be in thee, that there be no envy, no strife, no knowledge of other than good works through the activities of self. For, in glorying in the knowledge of the Father comes more and more the manifestations of the Spirit of the Christ. "Inasmuch as ye do it unto the least of these, my little ones, ye do it unto me." 262-47 | |
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