ACIM Lesson #334
"Today I claim the gifts forgiveness gives."
[Marsha's thoughts]
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:2) This renewal is "claiming the gifts forgiveness gives." I've often heard people say they can forgive, but they'll never forget. But isn't the forgetting a result of true forgiveness? When we actually let go of our thoughts of any given circumstance, isn't it as though it never happened? I feel certain this has happened within myself, but since the remembrance is gone, I couldn't tell you what has been forgotten! But a small event which remains unforgiven is brought to mind every time I see a turtle crossing the road. When I was quite young, I was sent to get the mail from the box which was located across the highway from our house. As I was going to the mailbox, I met a turtle coming toward me as he crossed the road. I thought I'd get the mail and then pick him up and take him across on my way back. Before I completed my task and turned back, a car came by and hit the turtle. The regret in not picking it up immediately, the guilt for "failing" to safely carry it across the road, these feelings recur every time I see a turtle. In recounting this event, I realize there is no need to examine each supposed wrongdoing on our part. There is no need to examine our lives and be sorry and be forgiven. To accept the gifts of this forgiveness is our heritage when we clear our minds of blame.
Mary Baker Eddy quote:
"We acknowledge God's forgiveness of sin in the destruction of sin and the spiritual understanding that casts out evil as unreal. But the belief in sin is punished so long as the belief lasts."
Science & Health Page 497:9-11
"Today I claim the gifts forgiveness gives."
[Marsha's thoughts]
"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." (Romans 12:2) This renewal is "claiming the gifts forgiveness gives." I've often heard people say they can forgive, but they'll never forget. But isn't the forgetting a result of true forgiveness? When we actually let go of our thoughts of any given circumstance, isn't it as though it never happened? I feel certain this has happened within myself, but since the remembrance is gone, I couldn't tell you what has been forgotten! But a small event which remains unforgiven is brought to mind every time I see a turtle crossing the road. When I was quite young, I was sent to get the mail from the box which was located across the highway from our house. As I was going to the mailbox, I met a turtle coming toward me as he crossed the road. I thought I'd get the mail and then pick him up and take him across on my way back. Before I completed my task and turned back, a car came by and hit the turtle. The regret in not picking it up immediately, the guilt for "failing" to safely carry it across the road, these feelings recur every time I see a turtle. In recounting this event, I realize there is no need to examine each supposed wrongdoing on our part. There is no need to examine our lives and be sorry and be forgiven. To accept the gifts of this forgiveness is our heritage when we clear our minds of blame. "We acknowledge God's forgiveness of sin in the destruction of sin and the spiritual understanding that casts out evil as unreal. But the belief in sin is punished so long as the belief lasts."
Science & Health Page 497:9-11
