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.

If one believes that he has been criticized or maligned and then condemns the one responsible, he is, in belief, making a reality of the error. His task is to deny that error is a part of man's true selfhood. He must know that the man portrayed by the five senses is not the man of God's creating but a counterfeit of this man. To attach dishonesty, ignorance, envy, or hate to another is to deny man's true being. Any thought that limits, degrades, or condemns our fellowmen is not from God. Since the man God created is spiritual, he is without enmity and incapable of manifesting enmity.

Two of the seven synonyms for God are Soul and Mind, and they are interchangeable with the other five. As one extends compassion, forgiveness, love, and charity toward others, he is availing himself of the attributes of Soul. As one is friendly, helpful, cooperative, and considerate of his fellowmen, he is utilizing the qualities of Mind.

The identification of ourselves with Mind and Soul, as well as the other synonyms for God, correlates our thinking with the divine. The blessings from this enlightenment will harmonize our lives. Likewise those upon whom our thoughts rest are helped. We may at times and under certain circumstances find it difficult to look kindly upon another, but this must and can be done through the spiritualization of our thoughts. The clarity of our vision of God determines our thoughts and actions toward humanity.

In an article entitled "Love Your Enemies," Mrs. Eddy asks: "Who is thine enemy that thou shouldst love him? Is it a creature or a thing outside thine own creation? Can you see an enemy, except you first formulate this enemy and then look upon the object of your own conception?" She continues, "Simply count your enemy to be that which defiles, defaces, and dethrones the Christ-image that you should reflect." On the next page she says, "'Love thine enemies' is identical with 'Thou hast no enemies.'" ^{Miscellaneous Writings, pp. 8, 9;}

A Scientist felt that her brothers and sisters took advantage of her in family matters. She felt unkindly toward them, especially toward the one she thought most responsible. Although she had been a Scientist for many years, she attempted to justify her attitude. She spent hours rehearsing the situation. As she defended her position, she poured forth criticism and condemnation. Unrest and unhappiness ruled her days. Finally she realized that this was not the normal state for a Scientist.

With the strong desire to prove her God-given dominion over the material senses, she turned to God in consecrated prayer. After the denial of what seemed to be the specific errors and the affirmation of God's control in each situation, she gradually saw her relatives in a new light. It was not easy to discipline her thinking, but through persistence her prayers prevailed.

Pride and hurt feelings gave way to humility, self-righteousness to consideration for other viewpoints, and resentment and anger to compassion and love. As she aligned her thinking with God, Mind and Soul, righteous adjustment took place. She is now on friendly and normal terms with her family. The relative whom she had judged most severely has on several occasions turned to her for inspiration, and their relationship has been mutually beneficial.

One line of the Lord's Prayer reads, "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." ^{Matt. 6:12;} Mrs. Eddy gives the spiritual interpretation as follows: "And Love is reflected in love." ^{Science and Health, p. 17;} As we love others with a deep desire to do the will of God, the effects of this love must appear in the way of God's appointing and will bless all concerned.

True forgiveness is to avail ourselves of Godlike qualities, to know man as an idea of Mind, and to deny the mortal sense of self. If we have been condemned and are tempted to retaliate, or if we believe that we are justified in holding resentment, we have the opportunity to nullify this situation. Why hold to an illusion about our fellowmen, since evil does not destroy evil but rather enlarges and prolongs it?

Paul called destructive thinking "the carnal mind." ^{Rom. 8:7;} He learned from experience the bitterness of condemnation and hate. Yet after turning from persecution of the early Christians, he accepted their faith and urged the churches to practice forgiveness. He wrote to the church in Ephesus, "Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you." ^{Eph. 4:32.} This Christly admonition is as practical today as in the time of Paul.

True forgiveness comes from the elevation of our thinking to realize and feel the divine presence. Forgiveness is the strength of the God-principle made manifest to humanity. Its utilization heals, guides, and protects, revealing the joys and power of a mind at peace.