Finding Freedom In Forgiveness
I’m a bit of an NPR Junkie, and one of my favorite series I listen to is called This I Believe. This I Believe is a national media project that engages everyday people in writing, sharing, and discussing the core values and beliefs that guide their everyday lives. I’ve been following the series for quite some time now, but last week, I came across a story that really moved me – it’s called Finding Freedom In Forgiveness.
In 1984, Jennifer Thompson -Cannino testified that Ronald Cotton was the man who raped her. Eleven years later, DNA evidence cleared him of the crime.
This story speaks to the healing power of forgiveness.
Although I haven’t heard many Kirtanis or Granthis speak about this topic much, Guru Sahib in fact has much to say about “Khima” (Forgiveness). As I’m starting to research and reflect on this concept through Gurbani, I came across this line that I immediately connected with. From Bhagat Kabeer Ji, page 1372:
jehaa lobh theh kaal hai jehaa khimaa theh aap |155|
Where there is greed, there is death. Where there is forgiveness, there is God Himself.
Finding Freedom in Forgiveness is less than four minutes long and worth the listen. I would love to hear what others think of this audio essay and perhaps an experience of your own as you’ve discovered forgiveness on your own journey…
8 Responses to “Finding Freedom In Forgiveness”
This is an amazing story and very beautiful at the same time.
I always found it hard to forgive and loved to hold grudges. But I spoke to a Gursikh and he told me that if we cant forgive each other how can we expect God to forgive us. I thought long and hard about what he said, to be frank in every ardas we do we ask for forgiveness. Its such an important part of our faith. In that way we can draw examples from history where the Gurusahibs showed mercy to those who has tresspassed against them.
The moral of the story where there is forgiveness there is God.
This is an amazing story and very beautiful at the same time.
I always found it hard to forgive and loved to hold grudges. But I spoke to a Gursikh and he told me that if we cant forgive each other how can we expect God to forgive us. I thought long and hard about what he said, to be frank in every ardas we do we ask for forgiveness. Its such an important part of our faith. In that way we can draw examples from history where the Gurusahibs showed mercy to those who has tresspassed against them.
The moral of the story where there is forgiveness there is God.
Revenge is sweet but short in it duration
FORGIVENESS is divine and is everlasting,
Could not agree more with SANT KABIRJI"
Revenge is sweet but short in it duration
FORGIVENESS is divine and is everlasting,
Could not agree more with SANT KABIRJI”
This was a very moving story which definitely speaks to the power of forgiveness. Revenge is sweet and only lasts fifteen minutes. Forgiveness changes our hearts opening us to more love in our life and has the power to transform our lives forever giving us gifts we can not even imagine. Thank-you for sharing this story. I collect stories on forgiveness and post them on my website so people can read them and hopefully be inspired by them. if you have one please feel free to submit it.
Eileen R.Borris, author of "Finding Forgiveness: A 7 Step Program for letting go of Anger and Bitterness" with a private practice that specializes in forgiveness.
This was a very moving story which definitely speaks to the power of forgiveness. Revenge is sweet and only lasts fifteen minutes. Forgiveness changes our hearts opening us to more love in our life and has the power to transform our lives forever giving us gifts we can not even imagine. Thank-you for sharing this story. I collect stories on forgiveness and post them on my website so people can read them and hopefully be inspired by them. if you have one please feel free to submit it.
Eileen R.Borris, author of “Finding Forgiveness: A 7 Step Program for letting go of Anger and Bitterness” with a private practice that specializes in forgiveness.
Great first post RP Singh!
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Forgiveness can be rewarding to the person being forgiven, however, even more than that, it is rewarding for the person doing the forgiving. It's a burden that not many of us want to carry. Research has also shown that not forgiving (and thus, holding that burden) has a negative impact on one's health and well-being.
Great first post RP Singh!
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Forgiveness can be rewarding to the person being forgiven, however, even more than that, it is rewarding for the person doing the forgiving. It’s a burden that not many of us want to carry. Research has also shown that not forgiving (and thus, holding that burden) has a negative impact on one’s health and well-being.