Why must I forgive?

Our capacity to forgive indicates our moral likeness to the One who commanded us to forgive and who freely forgives us. “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do,” pleaded Jesus as he endured the Cross. The 2,000-year-old plea continues to be the subject of meditation for Christians as they observe Lent every year. The example set by Jesus is the cardinal doctrine built into the faith - that of forgiveness. The day of crucifixion, observed as Good Friday, is a reminder to reflect and learn to forgive. The death and resurrection of Jesus Christ was but fulfilment of a prophesy that a Messiah would arrive to intercede for the sins of the human race and would rescue them from the power of darkness and bring them into the Kingdom of Light. Had the Roman soldiers known that they were crucifying the ‘Lord of Glory’ they would have averted it.Jesus provided a new way - the way of Grace - that whoever believes in Hisatoning sacrifice on the Cross would receive forgiveness and salvation.Through the work of Jesus Christ the seeker discovers the love of God andthe forgiveness of God. This transference from darkness to light, from slaveryto freedom and from condemnation to forgiveness is all implied in the atoningdeath of Jesus on the Cross and his resurrection.The cause of manya suffering is the feeling of vengeance, jealousy and greed, yet we have achoice before us, to not succumb to these negative aspects. By forgiving thosewho wrong us, not only do we create the right environment for harmony and peace,we also promote physical, mental and spiritual well-being.Miracleshappen when two alienated people start all over again. An estranged father holdsout his hand to his daughter; those on the brink of divorce suddenly undergo achange of heart; bitter enemies become friends as suspicions get lifted -transforming relationships happen through the melting away of bitterness andanimosity. When Jesus directed his followers to love their enemiesand to forgive offenders ‘seventy-times-seven’ he was prescribingnot only ways of protecting their souls, but also their bodies from variousillnesses that arise out of anger and frustration. Forgiveness isan act of love. It has the power to heal. The life of Jesus is an example of thefact that at the heart of love is forgiveness and compassion. Forgivenesscreates the possibilities of release from an unfair or unpleasant past. It takesus off the escalator of revenge providing an escape from gradual and total ruin.To forgive is to put down heavy baggage from one’s back. It is settingoneself free from bonds of hatred. Today when terrorism and hatred,suspicion and greed seek to create chaos and uncertainty all over the globe,understanding, atonement and forgiveness need to be propagated and practisedmore effectively if we are to improve the quality of our lives and evolve on thespiritual path. Forgiveness holds the key. Its give and take that will opendoors to greater brotherhood and understanding, and renew hopes in the hearts ofthose who live in remembrance of what Good Friday stands for.www.speakingtree.inJoin the world’s first spiritual networking site to interact directly withmasters and seekers.