Article October 1, 1966 Issue

The Blessing of Forgiveness

LUCILLE P. SHIRLEY

Many an individual is prone to believe that if he forgives another he must relinquish something worthwhile. Perhaps he believes that he must humiliate himself or acquiesce to some degree in evil. Another may say, "I can forgive, but I cannot forget." Probably the most common belief held by an individual who has been maligned or condemned is that he is justified in holding resentment against those whom he considers responsible.

Jesus said, "Judge not, and ye shall not he judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven."^{Luke 6:37;} And Mrs. Eddy writes in her Message to The Mother Church for 1902, "The Christian Scientist cherishes no resentment; he knows that that would harm him more than all the malice of his foes."^{'02., p. 19;}

We learn in Christian Science that we experience the effect of our own thoughts, whether they be good or evil. Healing must take place in our consciousness before good results appear in our human affairs. Then is it not necessary to entertain healthy, constructive, and Godlike thoughts toward all mankind if we would possess a sense of well-being? As we love our fellowmen, we show our love for God.

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