The Divine does not forgive because It 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 illusion – from what is unreal – while those who withhold forgiveness are binding themselves to it. Because you condemn only yourself, so do you forgive only yourself.
Although the Divine does not forgive, Its 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 the Divine. For this reason, forgiveness can truly be called awakening. It is the Means by which illusions disappear.
Today’s idea requires at least three full five-minute practice periods, and as many shorter applications as possible. Begin the longer 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 them. You have forgiven them entirely or not at all.
If you are doing the exercise properly, you should have no difficulty in finding a number of people you have not forgiven. It is a safe rule that anyone you hold resentment toward or aspects of whom you do not like are suitable subjects. Mention each one by name, and say:
“The Divine is the Love in which I forgive you, (name).”
The purpose of the first phase of today’s practice periods 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:
“The Divine is the Love in which I forgive myself.”
Then devote the remainder of the practice period to adding related ideas such as:
“The Divine is the Love with which I love myself.”
“The Divine is the Love in which I am blessed.”
The form of the applications may vary considerably, but the central idea should be kept in sight. You might say, for example:
“I cannot be guilty because I am a Child of the Divine.”
“I have already been forgiven.”
“No fear is possible in a mind beloved of the Divine.”
“There is no need to fear or attack because Love has forgiven us.”
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 in the original or in a related form, as you prefer, 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 the person silently:
“The Divine is the Love in which I forgive you.”