Only my condemnation injures me.

7-18-2026

“Condemn and you are made a prisoner; forgive and you are freed.” [CE W-198.2:1]

After my reflection yesterday, I think that it is myself that I condemn. And, perhaps, that it is through projection that I see my skill at judging being prevalent in my life.

I felt it was time to speak with ‘the Judge’ part of me that I sensed yesterday so I can learn more. My first impression of him is that of a patriarchal self-righteous mature male.

My judge part (IFS reference) believed that condemning others was part of his role. I brought to him my sense of honor for judges, those who I have heard of who do consider the needs of all parties and can see the people before them who are acting from love.

HS gave me the word ‘ease’ as guidance.

The values I asked the Judge to hold are loving-kindness, mercy, and compassion. I did not sense a change in him, so I had the idea of creating supporting parts to work with the Judge — a new committee of judgement.

I have added to my parts loving-compassion and the questioner (the one who asks, ‘how can I look at this differently?). From now on my mind uses a committee of 3 parts to aid me as I look upon the world so my judgements will be fair and based on the best truth my thoughts can consider.

May this ease my thoughts of others toward kindness as I move through the world. May kindness be in me and extend from me.

I do not condemn others, and I do not condemn myself.

7-17-2024

“Condemn and you are made prisoner. Forgive and you are freed. Such is the law that rules perception.” (para.2)

“Do not forget today that there can be no form of suffering that fails to hide an unforgiving thought. Nor can there be a form of pain forgiveness cannot heal.” (para.9)

I can relate to this line from the lesson as more and more I can see peoples’ reactions are just defensiveness as a means to hide things from themselves. I feel empathy and understanding, but I have no idea how to respond.

What to say when someone is expressing their own illusions about a situation? I will leave this open question to HS to bring the answer in perfect timing.

7-18-2023

“Only my own forgiveness sets me free.”

I hurt myself.

“Do not forget today that there can be no form of suffering that fail to hide and unforgiving thought. Nor can there be a form of pain forgiveness cannot heal.”

I can release unforgiving thoughts. These things are unimportant compared to the real eternal life in Love that I seek. It can be here and now.

Forgiveness heals me.

My finding the Presence of Love within me, to look on the Loving innocence of others brings healing to this world.

Holy Child of God.

7-17-2022

Forgiveness = seeing things differently