For Optimal Health and Wholeness, Choose to Forgive

By Eileen Birch

Forgiveness is a primary spiritual need. It is a gift we need to give others as well as ourselves. Often, the barrier to forgiveness is our lack of feeling forgiven. Sometimes, we need to learn about God's unconditional love for us. Forgiveness entails the acceptance of our worth and understanding that mistakes can be opportunities for growth.

Forgiving others doesn't mean condoning behavior that is abusive, but holding on to anger and resentment is destructive to self and others. Nor does forgiving mean forgetting deep hurts that have been inflicted. As theologian, Matthew Fox says, "Liberation begins at the point where pain is acknowledged and allowed to be pain." One needs to enter into it in order to let it go.

For optimal health and wholeness, choose to forgive. Social scientists are discovering that forgiveness may help lead to victims' emotional and even physical healing. We just need to make sure that the forgiveness is consistent with the teaching of Jesus. When our relationship with God is at our center, we can live our lives in peaceful relationship with our family and our fellow man.

May the forgiveness in your heart transform your life and free you to love as our Divine Father has loved us.