THE LINK OF LOVE

There is another link as well, in many cases seemingly stronger than love, and that is resentment. When we think on those we love the sense is one of peace, calmness, brings a smile to the face. Conversely when thinking on resentment the blood pressure rises, the jaw tightens, the thoughts taking on a decidedly darker tone. To be free of resentment requires work on our part. Nothing will retard, even stop spiritual progress more than resentment. It is deadly. The person who passionately retells the story of a wrong, either real or imagined, has built a virtually impenetrable barrier to growth. Who’s story is sadder, the man imprisoned for crimes committed or the jailer who chooses to return to prison of their own free will? Spiritually the answer is clear. To be truly free, we must embrace radical forgiveness. Many confuse forgiveness with having to like the object of the resentment. Fortunately it is not required, not a bad thing, just not required. We do have to “love” them in the sense that we loose them from our heart (where all resentment resides) and give them “root and branch” over to God’s care. We do this by saying a definite and specific prayer giving over the resentment and all attached to it to God. Do this once and only once. When the resentment pops up again in the consciousness, and it most surely will, thank God for knowing Him better (many times as necessary) and under no circumstance retell the “story” ever again, even if prodded by another who may have shared in the resentment. Additionally do not volunteer any action or direction another should take unless asked specifically what you are doing. Never answer the unasked question. Never engage or participate in negative conversations for this invites trouble and opens the door for negativity and resentment to slither back into our consciousness. When negative thinking surfaces turn to God in silent prayer. Everyone is subject to negative thinking, where the thought came from of little importance, our action of paramount importance. When we live in this manner we break the links of resentment and negativity, strengthening the links of love, love being the most powerful tool in our spiritual tool chest. Initially this will feel cumbersome and a lot of work. In time however it will become second nature, the level of our serenity will increase dramatically, negative thinking still present but now we have a way out of trouble that works, and besides what could be more important? Improving our relationship with the Source or continuing to fan the embers of past transgressions? Amazing how many, once exposed to the truth, choose the fan.