Forgiveness is an integral step on the path to salvation in most religions. As the Lord’s Prayer reminds us we should ask God to,”Forgive our trespasses and forgive those who trespass against us.” The forgiveness of one’s self first and then of others is no accident.

We must first learn to love ourselves unconditionally before we are truly able to love others. Forgiveness is the first and perhaps the paramount step towards reaching internal and external stasis. The question next is what is forgiveness and how should it be expressed. I believe true forgiveness of self and others, like most things, starts with your relationship with God. It is a bit of a Catch 22 for most adherents to Abrahamic religions. Many of us have compunction instilled in us from an early age by our parents and religious teachers. They tell us that we must do something to earn God’s love. If we have any type of awareness of God’s immensity, we feel that there is nothing we can do to deserve the love of such a perfect being. We are thankfully, incorrect. God loves us and is always ready and willing to manifest that love upon request. It is amazingly simple-“Ask and you shall receive…Seek and you shall find!”

Forgiveness comes simply from accepting that God, or the Universal Spirit is immanent within you. As you focus upon that aspect within you it will grow.  Focus through prayer, meditation, or just reflection. God does not care about your past. There are no exclusionary events. Eternity can be yours instantaneously if you accept it and realize that the external things in life are merely learning opportunities for your spiritual advancement. The one true reality is that this God essence is within you and every other being and thing on this earth. Resonate with the oneness that connects us all. Know that you and everyone is a part of that perfection. If we make mistakes during our learning process, they don’t amount to much more than bumps in our road towards salvation or nirvana. We will all get there- from the most pious to those most evil. Even those individuals who have committed despicable acts need our forgiveness. I believe they have made their path longer by such acts because some of them have hurt others. However, they will be forgiven and welcomed home too.

Forgiveness of yourself and others is the first step towards accepting your birthright which is to realize oneness with God.