A Course in Miracles Workbook
For Students
Lesson 126 - All that I give is given to myself. Let us consider what you do believe, in place of this idea:
Thus is forgiveness basically unsound...
Unmerited,
withholding it is just, nor is it fair that you should
suffer when it is withheld. The sin which you forgive
is not your own. Someone apart from you committed it.
And if you then are gracious unto him by giving him what
he does not deserve, your gift is no more yours than was
his sin.
If this be true, forgiveness has no grounds on which to rest dependably and sure. It is an eccentricity, in which you sometimes choose to give indulgently an undeserved reprieve. Yet it remains your right to let the sinner not escape the justified repayment for his sin. Think you the Lord of Heaven would allow the world's salvation to depend on this? Would not His care for you be small indeed, if your salvation rested on a whim? You do not understand forgiveness. As you see it, it is but a check upon overt attack, without requiring correction in your mind. It cannot give you peace as you perceive it. It is not a means for your release from what you see in someone other than yourself. It has no power to restore your unity with him to your awareness. It is not what God intended it to be for you. Not
having given Him the gift He asks of you, you cannot recognize
His gifts and think He has not given them to you. (He
asks you to forgive your brother.) Yet would He ask you
for a gift unless it was for you? Could He be satisfied
with empty gestures, and evaluate such petty gifts as
worthy of His Son?
Salvation is a better gift than this, and true forgiveness, as the means by which it (salvation) is attained, must heal the mind that gives, for giving is receiving. What remains as unreceived has not been given, but what has been given must have been received. Practice Instructions Today we try to understand the truth that giver and receiver are the same. You will need help to make this meaningful, because it is so alien to the thoughts to which you are accustomed. But the Help you need is there. Give Him your faith today, and ask Him that He share your practicing in truth today. And if you only catch a glimpse of the release which lies in the idea we practice for today, this is a day of glory for the world. 1. Give fifteen minutes twice today to the attempt to understand today's idea. It is the thought by which forgiveness takes its proper place in your priorities. It is the thought that will release your mind from every bar to what forgiveness means, and let you realize its worth to you. In silence, close your eyes upon the world which does not understand forgiveness, and seek sanctuary in the quiet place where thoughts are changed and false beliefs laid by. Repeat today's idea, and ask for help in understanding what it really means. “All that I give is given to myself.” Be willing to be taught. Be glad to hear the Voice of truth and healing speak to you, and you will understand the words He speaks, and recognize He speaks your words to you. 2. As often as you can, remind yourself you have a goal today; an aim which makes this day of special value to yourself and all your brothers. Do not let your mind forget this goal for long, but tell yourself:
Then spend a quiet moment, opening your mind to His correction and His Love. And what you hear of Him you will believe, for what He gives will be received by you. |