When I entered the second half of my life and started working on becoming my true Self, I could not avoid facing the issue of forgiving those who had hurt me. So, I decided to research what the sages and mystics of the world had to say about the matter. Unfortunately, for some reason none of their explanations for forgiveness satisfied me. The following is an example: “Love and do good to the offender. Romans 12:9.” Unless the Bible was written for saints this commandment makes no sense whatsoever. I don’t know anyone who can love and do good to people who offended or hurt him or her. Does forgiveness depend on the seriousness of the offense? Perhaps. In my case I was often able to forgive and forget when the offender was a very good friend of mine; we all make mistakes and I did not want to ruin a relationship that had lasted for many years. Furthermore, it makes a big difference when the offender apologizes and asks for forgiveness. Unfortunately, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for some of us to admit we were wrong. That is why it comes a time when even the most significant relationships of our lives need to be reviewed and discarded; and often the hurt we were inflicted in those situations will not be forgiven. When I look back over my life and I revisit some very difficult situations I was forced to face, I know that I will never be able to forgive those who proved to be my nemeses. Why would I? Feelings of forgiveness cannot be created; we either have them or we don’t. This does not mean that what I feel is the need for vengeance. I know that life will take care of those who have made damaging choices. It always does
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