1. Forgiveness-to-destroy has many forms, being a weapon of the world of form. 2Not all of them are obvious, and some are carefully concealed beneath what seems like charity. 3Yet all the forms that it may seem to take have but this single goal; their purpose is to separate and make what God created equal, different. 4The difference is clear in several forms where the designed comparison cannot be missed, nor is it really meant to be.
2. In this group, first, there are the forms in which a “better” person deigns to stoop to save a “baser” one from what he truly is. 2Forgiveness here rests on an attitude of gracious lordliness so far from love that arrogance could never be dislodged. 3Who can forgive and yet despise? 4And who can tell another he is steeped in sin, and yet perceive him as the Son of God? 5Who makes a slave to teach what freedom is? 6There is no union here, but only grief. 7This is not really mercy. 8This is death.
3. Another form, still very like the first if it is understood, does not appear in quite such blatant arrogance. 2The one who would forgive the other does not claim to be the better. 3Now he says instead that here is one whose sinfulness he shares, since both have been unworthy and deserve the retribution of the wrath of God. 4This can appear to be a humble thought, and may indeed induce a rivalry in sinfulness and guilt. 5It is not love for God’s creation and the holiness that is His gift forever. 6Can His Son condemn himself and still remember Him?
4. Here the goal is to separate from God the Son He loves, and keep him from his Source. 2This goal is also sought by those who seek the role of martyr at another’s hand. 3Here must the aim be clearly seen, for this may pass as meekness and as charity instead of cruelty. 4Is it not kind to be accepting of another’s spite, and not respond except with silence and a gentle smile? 5Behold, how good are you who bear with patience and with saintliness the anger and the hurt another gives, and do not show the bitter pain you feel.
5. Forgiveness-to-destroy will often hide behind a cloak like this. 2It shows the face of suffering and pain, in silent proof of guilt and of the ravages of sin. 3Such is the witness that it offers one who could be savior, not an enemy. 4But having been made enemy, he must accept the guilt and heavy-laid reproach that thus is put upon him. 5Is this love? 6Or is it rather treachery to one who needs salvation from the pain of guilt? 7What could the purpose be, except to keep the witnesses of guilt away from love?
6. Forgiveness-to-destroy can also take the form of bargaining and compromise. 2“I will forgive you if you meet my needs, for in your slavery is my release.” 3Say this to anyone and you are slave. 4And you will seek to rid yourself of guilt in further bargains which can give no hope, but only greater pain and misery. 5How fearful has forgiveness now become, and how distorted is the end it seeks. 6Have mercy on yourself who bargains thus. 7God gives and does not ask for recompense. 8There is no giving but to give like Him. 9All else is mockery. 10For who would try to strike a bargain with the Son of God, and thank his Father for his holiness?
7. What would you show your brother? 2Would you try to reinforce his guilt and thus your own? 3Forgiveness is the means for your escape. 4How pitiful it is to make of it the means for further slavery and pain. 5Within the world of opposites there is a way to use forgiveness for the goal of God, and find the peace He offers you. 6Take nothing else, or you have sought your death, and prayed for separation from your Self. 7Christ is for all because He is in all. 8It is His face forgiveness lets you see. 9It is His face in which you see your own.
8. All forms forgiveness takes that do not lead away from anger, condemnation and comparisons of every kind are death. 2For that is what their purposes have set. 3Be not deceived by them, but lay them by as worthless in their tragic offerings. 4You do not want to stay in slavery. 5You do not want to be afraid of God. 6You want to see the sunlight and the glow of Heaven shining on the face of earth, redeemed from sin and in the Love of God. 7From here is prayer released, along with you. 8Your wings are free, and prayer will lift you up and bring you home where God would have you be.