“Forgive us the wrongs we have done, as we forgive the wrongs that others have done to us.”

Matthew 6:12

Notes for Contemplation as You Use this Devotional:

• This passage from The Sermon on the Mount is part of “The Lord’s Prayer.”
• Jesus and many other master teachers recommend forgiveness as part of our daily spiritual practice.  And because Jesus had a tremendous God-consciousness, his wisdom can guide our path of forgiveness.
• Our faith reminds us, as Jesus also taught, that there is no retribution in God, so we can focus on forgiveness, rather than revenge or payback.
• Forgiveness does not condone anyone’s behavior or absolve us or others of certain responsibilities.  Forgiveness liberates us from yesterday’s pain, so we can begin healing today.  And our willingness to forgive is the first step we take.
• Spiritual Teacher Rosemary Fillmore Rhea acknowledges that we can struggle to forgive.  And she says: “At times, to make the intolerable tolerable seems beyond our human reach.  And if we were only human, this might be true.  But we are not only human; we are also divine.  At the moment we choose the path of forgiveness, the divine love that is the heart of us begins to work its miraculous power.”

Contemplation Questions:

Ask yourself:

• For what do I need to forgive myself?
  • List, word map, or illustrate all which applies.

• For what do I need to forgive others?
  • First, name those you want to forgive.
  • Then, list, word map, or illustrate whatever needs to be forgiven.

• Is anyone requesting my forgiveness?
  • If yes, name everyone who applies.
  • Am I willing to grant their request, even if not for them, then for me?

• Am I requesting anyone’s forgiveness?
  • If yes, name everyone who applies.
  • Am I willing to forgive myself, even if they are not yet ready to forgive me?

• What anger, hurts, and/or resentments am I still holding onto and how long have I been holding onto them? 
  • Without justifying or analyzing them, list, word map, or illustrate as much as applies, noting the length of time, as appropriate. 

• Where in my body am I still holding these angers, hurts, and/or resentments?  How long have I been ill or uncomfortable because of them?
  • Without judgment or analysis, list, word map, or illustrate the specific ailments or discomforts, where they are in your body, and how long they have been there.

• When I contemplate all my answers, what would help me begin to let go and let God so I can heal and free myself?
  • List, word map, and/or illustrate anything that feels freeing and healing for you.

• Am I willing to grow myself and my God consciousness to be as forgiving and loving as Jesus?
  • If yes, even if it is one (1) baby step, what steps am I willing to take to be more forgiving and loving?
    • List, word map, or illustrate as many steps as you can imagine.

Be gentle and compassionate with yourself as you use this devotional, and use it whenever you want to do your forgiveness work.  Remember that you are a divine, beloved child of God and that your divinity, like Jesus’s, allows you to be free and healed because your divinity is your God consciousness.  

© 2021 – Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks – All rights reserved.