Why Forgiveness Is An Essential Part of Recovery
We need to embrace our humanity - especially if we have the disease of addiction.
I have always been someone who forgives other individuals their transgressions - quite frankly it is the kind thing to do for myself as well as the other individual because as they say "to err is human but to forgive divine!"
One must also forgive themselves. Sobriety begins in some ways with forgiveness. Forgiveness is such a wonderful thing to be capable of because it allows us to release negative energy from our inner selves which certainly, in the case of someone with addictive disease, can lead to relapse.
I know that I always try to do right by others but sometimes I simply screw up - I might not say the right thing or be insensitive to another person's feelings or perhaps angry with someone on an unconscious level and my actions are generated by this unconscious drive.
What we are really talking about comes under the rubric of spirituality. We hear about it in all religions and also know the importance of spirituality and forgiveness in twelve step programs. Making an amends that is accepted is a step on the road to being sober and not simply "dry" or put another way, helps the addicted individual to become a better person through recovery.
Addiction is indeed a disease. However, unlike many other diseases it impairs one's judgment and changes the personality so profoundly that eventually an individual becomes spiritually bankrupt.
John Lennon said, "give peace a chance," and in essence I am saying give forgiveness - a stepping stone of a spiritual path, a chance. And remember we are all just human but that is also what makes us such wonderful creatures.
