Have you ever considered that the word “forgive” can be seen as āfore-give?
I think of it as ābefore-givingāāgivingĀ to anotherĀ beforeĀ theyāve done anything to ādeserveā it.Ā Perhaps that’s the only reason we’re here — to give love and kindness to everyone we meet.
“Fore-giving is merely looking beyond a personās flaws and seeing only their spirit. Thus, we give love to others, regardless of how they look or act. This, I believe, is what God would have us do.Ā
Really?? What if They’re a Jerk?!
There IS one caveat, however: Although we may focus on a personās essential goodness, we donāt have to put up with their unacceptable behavior. Even after setting boundaries, we can still see their spirit as pure and innocent.Ā
When we choose to āfore-give, we expand the force of love in the world, thus dissolving fear and selfishness. We all become free, peaceful, and happy.
Give it a Try!
Just for today (and tomorrow, too!) let’s try to see the goodness in every person we encounter, and treat them with the love and respect befitting a child of God. When you ‘fore-give it make us all feel better!
P.S. Ā A Course in MiraclesĀ teaches that the worldās pain is caused by our selfish egosā excesses, and that the truth lies beyond these fearful appearancesāin the eternal spirit of goodness within each of us.Ā
My award-winning book, 50 Ways to Worry Less Now describes how to reject the faulty thinking leading to addiction, dysfunctional relationships, perfectionism, and worry about loved ones. Check out the practical directions, personal stories, and other helpful suggestions. Amazon: 4.8 stars (Buy Discounted Paperback, e-book, OR audiobook HERE)
Gigi Langer has been sober 35 years, and holds a PhD in Psychological Studies in Education from Stanford University. Formerly crowned the āQueen of Worry,ā Gigi resigned her post many years ago and now lives happily in Florida with her husband, Peter and her cat Murphy.
