I can have peace of mind only when I forgive rather than judge. ~ Gerald Jampolsky, MD

I recently received some news about someone I knew well long ago. I’d lost touch with her over the years. The news, which did not surprise me, was about her deteriorating health. She was literally at death’s doorway. I’ll call her Joan (not her real name).

Joan had been carrying a bitter grudge against a family member for most of her life. She refused to have anything to do with this relative. If anyone suggested she consider forgiveness for something that had happened long ago, she refused.

Her refusal had taken a bitter toll on her family relationships and, now her health. I suspect most of us know someone like that.

Spirit

You may not think of forgiveness and world peace as closely linked to each other. But you cannot have one without the other.

Humans are quick to judge one another and themselves. The least little perceived slight from another can trigger an internal battle that rages out of control like a wildfire on a hot, dry summer day. This is what happened to Johnny’s friend Joan.

It would have been relatively easy if Joan had, as you say, “nipped the situation in the bud.” But she did not. The result, as he said, is fractured  relationships and deteriorating physical health.

It did not have to be that way. This was a choice Joan and the others involved freely made.

They could have chosen forgiveness and peace.

Exactly the same dynamic happens between groups and even between nations. The result is what you often see playing out on your world stage today.

Nations hold grudges and withhold forgiveness, just as individuals do.

God—Goddess—the Creator never judges any of you, individuals or groups. S/he sees each one of you as perfect and flawless, just as you were created. You are loved unconditionally in every moment of your lives.

If you could take just one small step each day to create more peace within yourselves, you would be contributing mightily to the world peace you say you want.

Here are a few practical steps you might consider:

• Look in your mirror each morning and tell yourself, “I love and forgive you, (your name).
• Smile at a stranger.
• Be kind to an animal.
• As trite as it sounds, hug a tree.
• Meditate regularly, even if only for 5 or 10 minutes.
• Send loving thoughts to those who may have hurt you.
• Be kind to all life, at all costs.
• Show compassion to those in pain, human or animal.

These are small, seemingly insignificant acts. But they will build into an unstoppable and huge wave of love, compassion, and kindness.

That is the only way you will ever create that deep inner peace you yearn for. That is the only way you will create the world peace you yearn for.

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If you’re having trouble with forgiveness, this short video with Marianne Williamson and Oprah Winfrey will show you the way out of your dilemma.

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