All of us have experienced mental or physical suffering at the hands of other people. But each of us has also brought suffering to others.

However when we are unwilling to forgive, we deny the essence of God’s loving-kindness, and deprive ourselves of the healing for which our life-force longs.

Silence

Forgiveness is a complex process of letting go which takes time and effort.

It involves letting go of our desire to suppress our painful memories, our anger and our shame and being willing to meet them face to face with love.

Silence

Forgiveness is our most precious gift

the most Christ-like blessing we can share.

Forgiveness comes through ceasing to view oneself as an unlovable person, a person whose insecurity leads them to condemn others.

Silence

Forgiveness is our most precious gift

the most Christ-like blessing we can share.

Forgiveness comes through letting go of the illusion that we are superior to other people in our beliefs, attitudes or actions.

Silence

Forgiveness is our most precious gift

the most Christ-like blessing we can share.

Forgiveness comes through listening to the story of our oppressors and experiencing something of their hurt.

Forgiveness grows as we begin to discover something good, something of God in every human being.

Forgiveness develops as we share our own vulnerability with them.

Silence

Forgiveness is our most precious gift

the most Christ-like blessing we can share.

Forgiveness comes through seeing every experience as an opportunity to learn more about ourselves and others rather than remain a prisoner of our own history.

Silence

Forgiveness is our most precious gift

the most Christ-like blessing we can share.

Forgiveness comes through letting go of the idea that it is solely a matter of feeling sorry for what we have done.

So as well as apologizing we seek to change our attitudes and behavior, exploring possibilities of righting past wrongs.

Silence

Forgiveness is our most precious gift

the most Christ-like blessing we can share.

HYMNS

Recalling all our ancient hurts. (BL)

At each journey’s ending point. (BL)

When we feel all weighed down. (BL)

Repaying force. (BL)

How many times must I forgive? (STS2)

For wrongs of the past. (STS1)

As we give we shall receive. (STS1)

Christ Jesus praying from the Cross. (STS2)

Singing the Sacred Vol 1 2011, Vol 2 2014 World Library Publications

REFRAIN

Forgiveness is our most precious gift. (BL)

LOGO NOTE: At the heart of the mystery all the separate boxes disappear and all is one, all is love.

Text and graphic © William Livingstone Wallace but available for free use.