Thoughts on Forgiveness by Marianne Williamson

The following is an excerpt from Marianne's book 'Illuminata - A Return to Prayer"  For information about Marianne's books, tapes and speaking schedule

visit her website   http://www.marianne.com  

 

 

 

Forgiveness

by Marianne Williamson

 

 

The vision of God's spirit is the vision of innocence.  It is not our job to forgive whom God has not condemned, but rather to remember that

God condemns no one. 

 

God heals through forgiveness and asks that we do likewise.  Attack is an easier response than forgiveness, and that is why we are so tempted

to give into it.  Throughout our lives, we have seen more anger than examples of true forgiveness.  Forgiveness does not mean that we suppress

our anger; forgiveness means that we have asked for a miracle: the ability to see through the mistakes that someone has made to the truth

that lies in all of our hearts.  None of this "I'm too spiritual to be angry,"  for who among us is?   Rather we pray, I am angry, dear God.  But I

am willing not to be.  I am willing to see this situation another way."

 

Forgiveness is not always easy.   At times, it feels more painful than the wound we suffered, to forgive the one who inflicted it.

 

And yet, there is no peace without forgiveness.  Attack thoughts toward others are attacks on ourselves.  The first step in forgiveness is the

willingness to forgive. If you can state, despite your resistance, the willingness to see the spiritual innocence, the light in the soul of one who

has harmed you,  you have begun the journey to a deep and unshakable peace.