It is the nature of God, the Infinite Invisible, to give Itself, to give Life in all its fullness to the Universe and to everyone alike. It gives everything and withholds nothing. Why then, do we sometimes feel shutoff from our good? Why then do we feel resentful when we think someone or some circumstance is blocking our flow of good? How do we restore the flow of our good and our connection to God, the Source of all that is?
Consider what happens when the flow of water in and/or out of a pond is blocked. The pond will soon become stagnant. As bacteria and other contaminants increase, eventually the pond can become toxic to drink. Without new supply, the pond can eventually dry up and vanish. If the gates are opened and flow is restored, the movement of free-flowing water will purify the pond by bringing in fresh water, mixing in oxygen and carrying out any contaminants. A healthy environment can be restored.
Forgiveness is a spiritual practice that can restore the flow of good in our lives. Holding onto resentments, anger and condemnation of others – or ourselves – whether the transgressions were yesterday or many years in the past, blocks the Infinite Divine flow of good from entering our lives. Without fresh new inflow, our lives can become stagnant and toxic. Our physical bodies can manifest that stagnant flow by becoming ill. Without feeling connected to our Infinite Source, we can be easily irritated by any person or action that seems to ask us to share our remaining dwindling and toxic flow. Our mental health and relationships can deteriorate.
When we forgive, we open up the gates for circulation. Forgiveness of ourselves and others removes the barriers that we have created to separate us from God, from the Source of Life Itself. Once the barriers are dissolved, we are open to receive and share the Infinite Divine Flow with others. We are open to experience Wholeness and being loved. In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus said, “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12 KJV) This is not a prayer of bargaining with God. Instead it is a recognition that as long as we condemn others, we are maintaining a barrier between us and God, a barrier of our own making that condemns us to stagnant lives separated from the Source of all good.
The Divine gifts of Love, Peace and Joy have already been given. As we learn to forgive, we also learn that we forgive to live. It is then that we can restore the unimpaired flow of Divine good in and through our lives.
Love and light,
Rev Pam
