The God of some scriptures is a revengeful deity, always ready to punish us. But Jesus showed us the real nature of God…. He did not destroy his enemies with “twelve legions of angels,” but rather overcame evil with the power of divine love. His actions demonstrated the Supreme love of God, and the behavior of those who are one with Him.
“One should forgive, under any injury,” says the Mahabharata. It hath been said that the continuation of the species is due to man’s being forgiving. Forgiveness is holiness; by forgiveness the universe is held together. Forgiveness is the might of the mighty; forgiveness is sacrifise; forgiveness is quiet of mind. Forgiveness and gentleness are the qualities of the Self-possessed. They represent eternal virtue.
“Then came Peter to him and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” I prayed deeply to understand this uncompromising counsel.” Lord, “I protested,”is it possible?” When the Divine Voice finally responded, It brought a humbling flood of light: “How many times, O Man, do I forgive each of you daily?”
In your heart must well that sympathy which soothes away all pains from the hearts of others, that sympathy which enabled Jesus to say “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” His great live encompassed all. He could have destroyed his enemies with a look, yet just as God is constantly forgiving us even though He knows all our wicked thoughts, so those great souls who are in tune with Him give us that same love.
If you would develop Christ consciousness, learn to be sympathetic. When genuine feeling for others comes into your heart, you are beginning to manifest that great consciousness… Lord Krishna said: “He is a supreme yogi who regards with equal mindedness all men…”
Wrath and hatred accomplish nothing. Love rewards. You may cow down someone, but once that person has risen again, he will try to destroy you. Then how have you conquered him? You have not. The only way to conquer is by love. And where you cannot conquer, just be silent or get away, and pray for him. That is the way you must love. If you practice this in your life, you will have peace beyond understanding.
Affirmation: I will try to please everyone by kind, considerate actions, ever striving to remove any misunderstanding knowingly or unknowingly caused by me. Today I forgive all those who have ever offended me. I give my love to all thirsty hearts, both to those who love me and those who do not love me.
Extract from the book “Where There Is Light” by Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda.
