The Power of Forgiveness

A while ago a study was made as to what are the characteristics of a truly happy person. They found that one of the characteristics was the ability to forgive — the ability not to hold grudges and not to go around and around with the wrongs that have been done to you, however severe they might be.

We are bidden to forgive as we would be forgiven, “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” (Matt.) This is a major point in Christian Science. You cannot go to the altar of prayer, cannot seek God’s help, when you have an unforgiving heart. It would block God’s love from reaching you. You would create a barrier by resenting, or hating, or feeling revengeful toward another person.

We see how Christ on the cross could forgive. Who are we to have any injustice done to us that we would consider unforgivable? We only hurt ourselves if we do this.

I am so grateful to Mrs. Eddy for her wonderful articles, “Love Your Enemies” and “Taking Offense.” Those two articles have been so helpful to me whenever I have found it difficult to forgive. I love where Mrs. Eddy says, “Be patient towards persecution. Injustice has not a tithe of the power of justice. Your enemies will advertise for you. Christian Science is spreading steadily throughout the world. Persecution is the weakness of tyrants engendered by their fear, and love will cast it out. Continue steadfast in love and good works. Children of light, you are not children of darkness. Let your light shine. Keep in mind the foundations of Christian Science — one God and one Christ. Keep personality out of sight, and Christ’s ‘Blessed are ye’ will seal your apostleship.” (Miscellany, p. 191) I think that is such a beautiful thought that, “Injustice has not a tithe of the power of justice.” How could it, because injustice is not of God, and justice is. So, as Mrs. Eddy has taught us, if you have been treated in any unjust way, God will right the balance, because justice is the only power. There is no other power! To acknowledge any other power is to dishonor God.