…learn to let forgiveness take away the sins you think you see outside yourself, and you can never think the gifts of God are lent but for a little while, before He snatches them away again in death. For death will have no meaning for you then.”
…gratitude remains a part of love.
Thanks be to you, the holy Son of God. For as you were created, you contain all things within your Self. And you are still as God created you. Nor can you dim the light of your perfection. In your heart the Heart of God is laid. He holds you dear, because you are Himself. All gratitude belongs to you, because of what you are.
Give thanks as you receive it. Be you free of all ingratitude to anyone who makes your Self complete. And from this Self is no one left outside. Give thanks for all the countless channels which extend this Self. All that you do is given unto Him. All that you think can only be His Thoughts, sharing with Him the holy Thoughts of God. Earn now the gratitude you have denied yourself when you forgot the function God has given you. But never think that He has ever ceased to offer thanks to you. (A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson 197, W-pI.197.6:2-3;7:5-9:8. See also ACIM Lesson 197 Insights.)
The ego never gives freely. It’s gifts always come with a price. At the very least, the gifts must be received with some form of gratitude. It projects this same attitude on God, teaching that what God gives in any moment can be taken away if we do not meet His demands. This perception makes us afraid of God and His Love.
Forgiveness is the key to releasing this fear. Our perception of guilt induces fear of punishment in our mind. Love cannot conceive of guilt, for it sees only Itself everywhere, in everything. As we forgive our thoughts of guilt, we open our minds to the Light of Love.
Whenever guilt is perceived—manifesting as sadness, fear, anger or loss—we need to remember to ask the Holy Spirit to help us heal this mistaken misperception. With His help, we give the gift of forgiveness to the world and our self. Forgiveness lets our true Self come forward to join with the Love that is everywhere, always. Our hearts fill with gratitude.
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