Forgiveness - The Heart of the Matter

What if forgiveness wasn’t about them at all, but about setting yourself free?

Ernest Holmes reminds us that forgiveness is not about erasing the past or condoning harmful actions — it is about freedom. He writes:

“Forgiveness is a practice for healing and freedom. It is a means to achieve release from self-condemnation and to heal the physical and mental tensions caused by unforgiveness and judgment.”

Forgiveness Is Not Forgetting

Forgiveness is often misunderstood. Many believe it means reconciling with someone who has hurt us or excusing behavior that was wrong. But forgiveness is not about others — it is about us.

It is not forgetting.It is not weakness. It is not absolution.

Forgiveness is a conscious choice to stop carrying resentment and step into peace. As Science of Mind teaches, it is a spiritual practice that restores us to harmony with Life.

Releasing the Gravitational Pull of Resentment

Unforgiveness binds us to the very pain we want to escape. As one teacher describes:

“Forgiveness is the quiet, courageous act of setting yourself free from the gravitational pull of resentment. It is at its essence an act of self-liberation.” Michael Todd - Kind Mind Podcast

When we forgive, we release the story of blame and choose accountability instead. We acknowledge what happened, but we no longer let it define us.

Choosing Peace Over Blame

Thought is creative power. When we empower our thoughts with resentment, we perpetuate suffering. When we empower our thoughts with love, we step into freedom.

Holmes writes:

“Forgiveness helps us to live in the present moment with an inner assurance of being one with all Life, free from the burdens of the past.”

Forgiveness as a Spiritual Practice

True forgiveness is not about changing another person — it is about transforming our own consciousness. Each time we choose to release anger or judgment, we align with our divine nature and open the door to joy, love, and wholeness.