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Forgiveness 1-2-3
by Gene Skaggs*
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www.geneskaggs.com

       Forgiveness, the main doctrine of A COURSE IN MIRACLES is described by personally invoking the taking of two steps followed by the Holy Spirit taking the final one. Sounds simple, 1 - 2 - 3. Let's look at each step individually because each one is independent of the other but naturally leads one to the unfoldment of the next.

       "This change requires, first, that the cause be identified and then let go, so that it can be replaced." Workbook Lesson 23

       The first step is the identification of the cause of the discomfort. I have found this to be, for students, not only the most misunderstood, but the most difficult to implement. Look at the first step and what it says, "that the cause be identified." The identification process is observing the emotional response that the event/person has brought to your awareness.

       Example: Someone did or didn't do what you have deemed appropriate and the action or lack of action has caused an emotional response to the event might take the form of anger. The first step in the forgiveness process is now complete. You have identified the emotion that you have chosen to keep you from your Source - anger. The identification process is NOT what the other person did, but your emotion to what took place on your perceptual viewing screen/world.

       "Unless you give it back, it is inevitable that your perspective on reality be warped and uncorrected." - - - A COURSE IN MIRACLES

       Technically your part in the forgiveness process is complete. The next step is taken by the Holy Spirit and that is the removal of the unwanted emotion of anger.

       The Course doesn't give you a step four but it explains another step. After the guilt (anger) in your mind has been removed you will have to do something. You might be guided to do nothing, but in the refraining from taking action motivation is done consciously.

       The Holy Spirit will speak to you and tell you what to do in any particular situation that you have allow the mighty Voice for Truth to be in charge. It will always be a win/win situation for both parties.

       "The Holy Spirit will not delay in answering your every question what to do. He knows. And He will tell you, and then do it for you." - - - A COURSE IN MIRACLES   

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Gene Skaggs has been a student of A COURSE IN MIRACLES since 1979, a teacher since 1988, has written four books on A COURSE IN MIRACLES entitled: A BEGINNER'S GLOSSARY TO A COURSE IN MIRACLES, THE RELATIONSHIP GAME CHANGING THE RULES, 101 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ON THE COURSE, and BIBLICAL QUOTES FROM A COURSE IN MIRACLEGene SkaggsS  REINTERPRETED. 

 Gene has a private counseling practice, and is a certified psych-k facilitator. He also has written a book about his son who laid his body down at the age of 22 in 2009. The book contains messages after he laid his body down, as well as, who he was as a person while he walked this planet.

 

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