Illusion recognized must disappear. Accept not suffering, and you remove the thought of suffering. …The thought of sacrifice gives rise to all the forms that suffering appears to take. And sacrifice is an idea so mad that sanity dismisses it at once.
Never believe that you can sacrifice [lose by giving]. There is no place for sacrifice [loss] in what has any value. If the thought [of sacrifice] occurs, its very presence proves that error has arisen and correction must be made. Your blessing [forgiveness] will correct [the error]. Given first to you, it now is yours to give as well. No form of sacrifice and suffering can long endure before the face of one who has forgiven and has blessed himself. (A Course in Miracles Workbook Lesson 187, W-pI.187.7:1-2,4-5;8. See also ACIM Lesson 187 Insights.)
The ego insists that form has value and possessing a form makes it ours alone. But we are learning that form is an illusion, for only the oneness of Love is real. Love cannot be divided into multiple parts. This is the key to distinguishing between illusions and the truth that Love is all That is.
When we forgive a perception of separation, we make way for Love to bless the world through forgiveness. How we perceive our brother tells us what we believe about ourselves. If he is a body separate from ours, we must first believe we are a body. This belief needs to be let go, for it blocks our awareness of our true Self, the extension of God’s Love. This belief seems to make bodies valuable. But belief does not make real or true value, though it seems to affirm separation’s reality.
To truly bless our brother, we need to let the Holy Spirit show us the Love our brother is behind the mask of physical appearance. This is the blessing we give our brother. And because our brother is reflecting back to us what we believe about ourselves, we receive the blessing as we bless our brother. We have forgiven ourself.
Today we welcome opportunities to let the Holy Spirit show us the truth in our brothers. It will be a day of many blessings.
© Copyright 2020, Pathways of Light. https://www.pathwaysoflight.org
You may freely share copies of this with your friends, provided this notice is included.
Has this page been helpful to you?
Your contribution in support of this site is greatly appreciated. To make a tax deductible contribution or become a member online, go to http://www.pathwaysoflight.org/polshop/home.php?cat=254.
Or send a check or money order to Pathways of Light, 6 Oak Court, Ormond Beach, FL 32174-2623 (USD only, please) Thank you for your support.