Library of Christ Mind Teachings
ACIM Original Edition
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1 God does not forgive because He has never condemned. And there must be
condemnation before forgiveness is necessary. Forgiveness is the great
need of this world, but that is because it is a world of illusions.
Those who forgive are thus releasing themselves from illusions, while
those who withhold forgiveness are binding themselves to them. As you
condemn only yourself, so do you forgive only yourself.
2 Although God does not forgive, His love is nevertheless the basis of
forgiveness. Fear condemns, and love forgives. Forgiveness thus undoes
what fear has produced, returning the mind to the awareness of God. For
this reason, forgiveness can truly be called salvation. It is the means
by which illusions disappear.
3 Today’s exercises require at least three full five-minute practice
periods and as many shorter applications as possible. Begin the longer
practice periods by repeating today’s idea to yourself, as usual. Close
your eyes as you do so and spend a minute or two in searching your mind
for those whom you have not forgiven. It does not matter “how much” you
have not forgiven. You have forgiven them entirely or not at all.
4 If you are doing the exercises well, you should have no difficulty in
finding a number of people you have not forgiven. It is a safe rule that
anyone you do not like is a suitable subject. Mention each one by name
and say:
5 God is the Love in which I forgive you, [name].
6 The purpose of the first phase of today’s practice is to put you in
the best position to forgive yourself. After you have applied the idea
for today to all those who have come to mind, tell yourself,
7 God is the Love in which I forgive myself.
8 Then devote the remainder of the practice period to adding related
ideas such as:
9 God is the Love with which I love myself.
God is the Love in which I am blessed.
10 The form of the applications may vary considerably, but the central
idea should not be lost sight of. You might say, for example:
11 I cannot be guilty because I am a Son of God.
I have already been forgiven.
No fear is possible in a mind beloved of God.
There is no need to attack, because Love has forgiven me.
12 The practice period should end, however, with a repetition of today’s
idea as originally stated.
13 The shorter applications may consist either of a repetition of the
idea for today in the original or in a related form as you prefer. Be
sure, however, to make more specific applications if they are needed.
They will be needed at any time during the day when you become aware of
any kind of negative reaction to anyone, present or not. In this event,
tell him silently,
14 God is the Love in which I forgive you.