Forgiveness

I will forgive you if------
I will forgive you as soon as-------
I will forgive you when ever------
If you are finishing these sentences when or if you forgive someone is that true forgiveness no that is putting conditions on your forgiveness. It in no way will set you free.
First there is an offence, if there is not forgiveness after the offence there is resentment. If there is not forgiveness after resentment this leads to hatred. Then hatred leads to grudge. Then grudge settles in revenge. Once a person has reached this thought pattern there seems to be no turning back revenge has to be done and people cannot forgive. Holding a grudge will suck the life energy out of you fill you with negativity and make you weak. What you have to do is find the strength to rise above negative energies like anger, fear, resentment, hatred, vengeance, finger pointing, suspicion, bitterness, and condemnation. It is said that for the sake of your future you must let go of the past, become wiser, and move forward. Forgiveness is necessary if you ever plan to live fully and happily again. Remember that the best cure for guilt is forgiveness. Holding on to guilt or resentment or worse yet a grudge weakens the immune system the same way chronic stress does. The forgiver is the one that is freed in forgiving.
When you are feeling down and at the bottom of that pit and then it feels like someone kicks you again, if you have the ability to forgive and not be offended you will know the happiness of having a clear conscious. People have got to develop a thicker layer of skin, and not to take things so serious. Some people are going to make petty remarks about anything you do. People bashing or gossip falls into that category. Soft heart and thick skin that’s what you need. In more blatant terms embrace and give the love, ward off the crap.
Sifu Hayes www.silentriverkungfu.com Stony Plain Alberta Canada