Review (196)

To attack is to attack yourself.

The review of lesson 196 deeply engraves in you the truth that you only crucify yourself. The refrain "I am not a body. I am free. For I am still as God created me" is the declaration that makes this truth liberating rather than overwhelming. Reviews are important because they transform spiritual concepts into inner laws that govern your life. A truth read in a book can be forgotten.

Lesson 196 showed you that attacking a brother is attacking yourself. The review distills this wisdom into its purest form: "Everything I do, I do to myself. If I attack, I suffer. But if I forgive, salvation will be given to me." There are no nuances, no exceptions, no mitigating circumstances.

During this review period, take time to observe the consequences of your actions and thoughts. When you attack, even in thought, notice what you feel. There is always a contraction, a tension, a loss of peace. This is living proof that the lesson is true. Conversely, when you forgive, notice the relief, the expansion, the peace that floods in.

Practice:

Today, before any action or word that could be hurtful, pause and ask yourself: "If I do this, who will suffer?" Then, if the answer is "me," choose another way. When tempted to judge someone, remember: "What I do to this other, I do to myself." And choose forgiveness, which brings salvation. Each small choice of love instead of attack is one more step toward freedom.

Reviews are the mirrors reflecting your true image: seeing that attack hurts you, you finally learn to stop and choose love.