"Pardon's the word to all."
___ William Shakespeare, "Cymbeline"
The call to forgiveness - whether it be the laying aside of vengeance, the releasing of people from obligation, the canceling of debts - sounds a general amnesty between ourselves and those who have wronged us. If they are not dealt with, wrongs and claims against others can become the ropes that tie the souls of victims to the souls of perpetrators.
The true meaning of forgiveness is releasing ourselves and others from the bonds of blame. If we remain in situations where we suffer wrong continually, we must face the priorities and strive to remove ourselves from this danger as soon as possible, or else we must forbear to condemn. Situations where our love and care are greeted with indifference, violence, and abuse are situations in which we endanger our very soul. We must get help or get out. To forgive does not mean to condone, but it does mean the end of condemnation.
No person living is free of condemnation: we have all wronged someone at some time. Yet to set aside condemnation and release someone from the obligations of restitution takes great resolution and courage. To forgive is to detach the bond that keeps us locked in mortal combat with our enemy. The obligatioin to forgiveness grows stronger as time wears on, before we weave too strong a bond, before the anger, strife, or wrong pollutes our very soul.
"Meditate upon a situation that requires your forgiveness. Who or what do you release?"
[From: "The Celtic Spirit" by Caitlin Matthews]
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