The Art of Forgiveness, in its Own Time

The art of forgiveness was a key theme when Terry Waite, held lengthy hostage in Lebanon 21 years ago, talked to some of the victims of the Westgate terrorist attack in Nairobi - survivors, and mourners for the loss of loved ones.  He was honest about his feelings and emotions during and after his long time in captivity, talking of his anger and the importance of not allowing that anger to become bitterness, for "bitterness is like cancer to the soul", and he talked from the heart about forgiveness. [caption id="attachment_2130" align="alignright" width="150"] Terry Waite (by Mike Harris)[/caption] It was only last year that he felt able to meet his captors in a spirit of forgiveness, and he emphasised the need for anyone who has been hurt by others to refrain from attempting forgiveness until they felt that quality within them truthfully, however long it takes. He was right, and it is the essential meaning behind the Universal Law of Forgiveness. For some of us, the spirit of forgiveness never comes even in a lifetime because the grief or hurt or negative memory is too much; for others, a magnanimity of soul and innate wisdom enables us to see the wider scenario surrounding an event, and to understand it without blame or judgment: both reactions are unquestionable, and one is not better than the other.  In any situation, honesty about how we feel about it and about ourselves is a paramount factor in seeing it in terms of soul growth. Some say that to forgive is godly, but if the expression of forgiveness is half-hearted, made out of duty, prematurely, or to feel spiritually pure, then the underlying emotions will fester unacknowledged, and the soul will suffer. So, the art of forgiveness concerns acceptance of how it is, for you and more widely beyond you; additionally, forgiveness often is not one-sided, with self-forgiveness and forgiving others both equations and opportunity in whatever precipitated the original situation. The sad Kenyans that Terry Waite met recently will, I hope, take comfort from his words.   [byline]]]>