• Friday, 13 June 2008 23:43

The Principle of Forgiveness & Reparations: Life is substantially improved when I forgive others promptly and seek forgiveness for my wrongs. I also need to make reparations for all harm done.

A difficult problem faced by many people who have practiced this program is deciding on how to make reparations for past harm done. It is easy to admit you were wrong. It is easy to say, “I’m sorry.” But how do you make it right?

Here are some suggestions to help get you started:

Dont's:

1. Don’t repeat past behaviors.
2. Don’t make excuses.
3. Never use the word “but.”

Do’s:

1. Acknowledge the other person’s pain.
2. Do anything and everything in your power to correct the situation.
3. Offer to help bear any burden you may have caused.
4. Change.

This is a very difficult process for many people. You are not alone in having some difficulty in getting started. You will find, however, that once you do get started the people you need to make reparations to will probably be very receptive. It is like anything worth doing, once you create momentum it will be easy to continue in this process. You will be able to clean up the mess you have made in the past and look to a future full of promise and hope.

Once you clear up the past, if you continue to practice this fundamental, you will have happiness and joy. People will be more receptive to you and you will have no more pain or shame from the hurts you have caused others. You will see the world and all of its people in a new, more positive light!