The fourth and fifth spiritual works of mercy are “Be Patient With Others” and “Forgive Those That Hurt Us”. Pam Sininek, in her talk about a Pilgrimage of Hope, said, “This is why I think the spiritual acts of mercy are so difficult”.
Recovery tells us to practice patience with our desire to forgive ourselves. Also, being patient with a person who has harmed us is an act of mercy. We may need to step back, take a deep breath, we may need to pray for patience, seek patience by using mindfulness. Pam says, “It is an act of mercy when we are patient with someone. Then we need to forgive. How many times do we need to forgive a person? Seventy times seven.” This means infinity and isn’t easy to do.
For most of my adult years, I held a grudge and was extremely bitter toward my father. As a child, he subjected me to his emotional and physical abuse. Writing my book allowed me to release the bitterness I felt inside my heart. https://superhumanbeing.net/ Some harms are very deep, which is all the more reason to forgive someone; it is also good for our souls.
Action Step: What can you do to forgive yourself for a harm you did to another person?
Superhuman Being
Peace
Larry
email: ljw@superhumanbeing.net
website: https://superhumanbeing.net/