"Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others."
Forgiveness is a powerful tool in the spiritual life. I shared with the congregation that...
If there is a hinge on the gate to the second half of life (the place of depth of soul and peace), that hinge would be forgiveness.
This word, forgiveness, is directly tied to the word "amend" in this Ninth Step. To amend means to change. To amend a relationship is the possibility of bringing wholeness to that which is broken. In order to do that, we must change.
What do you think one must change?
Is it that we must change our right to be right?
Or our perception of what has been?
Or own the ways in which we have hurt another?
This step invites us to delve into restorative justice which has the primary goal of bringing wholeness out of brokenness. It is our invitation to stand before God, before ourselves, and others and say "I'm sorry, please forgive me."
If our faith is built upon this goal of living whole lives, why do you think forgiveness is so important?
Secondly, why is it that so many struggle to forgive others?
What are your thoughts?
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