God does not forgive because He has never condemned. And there must be condemnation before forgiveness is necessary. Forgiveness is the great need of this world, but that is because it is a world of illusions. Those who forgive are thus releasing themselves from illusions, while those who withhold forgiveness are binding themselves to them. As you condemn only yourself, so do you forgive only yourself.
Although God does not forgive, His Love is nevertheless the basis of forgiveness. Fear condemns and love forgives. Forgiveness thus undoes what fear has produced, returning the mind to the awareness of God. For this reason, forgiveness can truly be called salvation. It is the means by which illusions disappear.
Today's exercises require at least three full five-minute practice periods, and as many shorter applications as possible. Begin the practice periods by repeating today's idea to yourself, as usual. Close your eyes as you do so, and spend a minute or two in searching your mind for those whom you have not forgiven. It does not matter how much you have not forgiven. You have forgiven them entirely or not at all.
If you are doing the exercises well, you should have no difficulty in finding a number of people you have not forgiven. It is a safe rule that anyone you do not like is a suitable subject. Mention each one by name, and say:
God is the Love in which I forgive you, [name].
The purpose of the first phase of today's practice is to put you in the best position to forgive yourself. After you have applied the idea for today to all those who have come to mind, tell yourself:
God is the Love in which I forgive myself. T
hen devote the remainder of the practice period to offering related ideas such as:
God is the Love with which I love myself. God is the Love in which I am blessed.
The form of the applications may vary considerably, but the central idea should not be lost sight of. You might say, for example:
I cannot be guilty because I am a Son of God.
I have already been forgiven. No fear is possible in a mind beloved of God.
There is no need to attack because love has forgiven me.
The practice period should end, however, with a repetition of today's idea as originally stated.
The shorter applications may consist either of a repetition of the idea for today in the original or in a related form, or in more specific applications if needed. They will be needed at any time during the day when you become aware of any kind of negative reaction to anyone, present or not. In this event, tell him silently:
God is the Love in which I forgive you.
✨ Summary & practice
God does not forgive, for He has never condemned. But His Love is the source of all forgiveness.
This lesson is deep and liberating. 'God is the Love in which I forgive.' God does not forgive because He has never condemned. Condemnation must come first for forgiveness to be needed. Forgiveness is the great need of this world, but only because it is a world of illusions. Those who forgive free themselves from illusions; those who withhold forgiveness bind themselves to them. Since you condemn only yourself, you forgive only yourself.
Though God does not forgive, His Love is the foundation of forgiveness. Fear condemns and love forgives. Forgiveness undoes what fear has made, returning the mind to awareness of God. It is the means by which illusions disappear. At least three five-minute exercise periods. Begin by repeating the idea, close your eyes, and search your mind for those you have not forgiven. It does not matter 'how much' you have not forgiven them. It is all or nothing.
If someone comes to mind, they must be included in your forgiveness. Name each person: 'God is the Love in which I forgive you, [name].' A sure rule: anyone you do not particularly like is a suitable subject. After applying the idea to all, say to yourself: 'God is the Love in which I forgive myself.' Spend the rest of the time on related thoughts.
Practice:
Three times today, take five minutes. Make a list of those you have not forgiven. For each, repeat: 'God is the Love in which I forgive you.' End by forgiving yourself.
Every forgiveness you give is one more step toward freedom. And every forgiveness is first a gift you give yourself.
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