“Forgiveness might be called a kind of happy fiction; a way in which the unknowing can bridge the gap between their perception and the truth. They cannot go directly from perception to knowledge because they do not think it is their will to do so. (M83)”
Affirmation: “Forgiveness = a kind of happy fiction”
Reflections:
Forgiveness is “happy fiction” because there is actually nothing that we need to forgive. But in this world, this is not entirely true. We need the practice of forgiveness until we reach the point that we realize that everyone is actually innocent, and what our brothers and sisters have done to us is not real. Forgiveness thus becomes our way out.
Forgiveness is a central point of the Course. Until we master forgiveness, we will remain lost in a world of ego-oriented thinking and living.
Our perception needs to move closer to the truth, which is knowledge given by God. We do not make this transition ourselves because we do not fully understand, and we cannot fully understand, because knowledge is the providence of God. He will reach down and lift us up when we are ready. And that is all we really need to know. That is the great promise held out to us.
Prayer:
Dear Father/Mother,
May I practice forgiveness today for my brothers and sisters, and for myself. It is comforting to read that it is just a happy fiction–that we are all actually innocent, and that we have not, in reality, changed ourselves since our creation. We have been lost in illusion.
Thank you for prompting Jesus to give us these ideas. They are internally consistent ideas, and from them we will eventually come to the knowledge that only You can impart.
Amen.
Workbook Lesson for Day 85:
Today’s review will cover these ideas:
My grievances hide the light of the world in me.
My salvation comes from me.
