You Probably Don’t Want to Hear This (and Neither Do I) — But It Has to Be Done

If we're going to have a true forgiveness practice, we're going to have to forgive the shooters.  I know. This is a really hard one.  Yes, I’m talking about the shooters, the people who commit acts that seem unforgivable. And yes, we’re going to explore why forgiveness matters even here

Forgiveness Unblocks the Divine

Forgiveness serves many purposes, but one of the most profound is that it reconnects us to the divine. When we only forgive some of the transgressors, we block ourselves from fully experiencing unity with the great Oneness. True spiritual freedom comes when our forgiveness extends without limits—even to those whose actions shock or horrify us.  And remember, forgiving them does not mean condoning or approving their actions. Forgiveness is about freeing your own heart and opening to love, even in the face of what feels unforgivable.

Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

Stepping Into Their Shoes

When we begin the difficult work of forgiving “shooters” or anyone who commits acts of extreme violence, a helpful step is empathy. Try to imagine what could cause someone to behave this way. Often, these individuals feel alienated, unloved, or harshly judged. Many were bullied as children, had few friends, or never felt they belonged. It’s not an excuse, but understanding their suffering can soften our hearts and open the door to forgiveness. 

Society’s Role

We can’t ignore the environment that shapes these behaviors. When society normalizes games where children simulate shooting others for hours, what mindset are we cultivating? We are literally training young minds to think in terms of guns and violence, numbing them to the horror and suffering that such actions cause. This societal conditioning contributes to a cycle of pain that extends far beyond the individual.

Why Forgive Anyway

It’s hard. It may feel repugnant. But forgiveness is about freeing ourselves first. Resentment, anger, and fear keep us trapped, while forgiveness releases us and opens the way to love, clarity, and peace. Extending forgiveness—even in these extreme cases—connects us to the higher truth of our shared humanity and to the divine Oneness that unites us all. 

The Simple Truth About Forgiveness

It really is simple to forgive these people. Just remember: they are all children of God, too. God created them, and He loves them. If He can love them, we can at least extend forgiveness.

God sees all of us beyond our crazy actions on this psycho planet. He knows our true goodness because He created us exactly in His own image. He is pure love, and in our ultimate truth, so are we.

All you have to do is hold that thought for these poor, misdirected souls. Feel it in your own heart for a moment or two. That’s what forgiveness truly is: a moment of seeing the higher truth.

Want to go deeper into forgiveness?

• Explore how forgiveness reconnects us to divine compassion in Unblocking our Connection to Love.

• For a little Halloween-inspired forgiveness see What's Behind the Costume. 

• My book, Forgiveness is the Key to Happiness, offers heartfelt guidance, spiritual tools, and real-life practices. Read it on Amazon →

• Let daily affirmations support you too — discover the Forgiveness Metta Card Deck for a gentle morning practice of peace and release. View the deck on Etsy 

• Browse more forgiveness tools, art, and daily reminders in our Etsy Shop 

• Want to receive free weekly forgiveness coaching emails? Sign up and get insights, tools, and inspiration to deepen your practice of forgiveness → Sign up here

Let these tools light your path — because forgiveness sets you free.
— Sue Pipal

Why the World Feels Like a Psycho Planet — and How Forgiveness Frees

What’s Going On Here?

This place is nuts. 

Psycho Planet

Photo by 愚木混株 Yumu on Unsplash

I used to think I was relatively happy, but as I began to study A Course in Miracles (ACIM), it dawned on me just how much true tragedy and difficulty we all accept as normal every single day. We accept rejection. We accept disappointments. We accept frustration, refusals, and the constant “No” that seems to be part of life at every turn. We accept lack—or only some instead of all. 

Life’s Challenges Have Always Been Crazy 

We rarely even blink at the craziest things. We might shake our heads a little, but mostly, we accept that this is just “the way of things” on earth. Why are things set up so that only a few win while so many lose? Only one becomes the head cheerleader, the captain of the football team or the class valedictorian. 

You didn’t get the job. You didn’t get the partner you wanted. Your body isn’t healthy, and you suffer real pain. You don’t feel utterly and completely loved and accepted anywhere. Your favorite pets pass away. Your children face rejection and disappointment. 

In the past, all of these usual trials—illness, loss, frustration—already made life feel like living on a psycho planet. But now, everything has amped up. Extreme political strife, global instability, and constant scary news make it all feel so much crazier than even in the not-so-recent past. 

Seeing the Higher Perspective 

What exactly are we accepting? Are we crazy? Well…yes, ACIM would say that we are. We are accepting a crazy, ego-based interpretation of life. In fact, as egos, we actually created much of this insanity ourselves. 

Choosing Love and Forgiveness 

It’s all in the perspective we choose. Flip the switch from fear to love and focus on what’s working: the good people who help others, the truths we share in common, the beauty that surrounds us in nature, and the brilliance of humans who have created amazing music, mathematics, literature, and art. 

And beyond that, forgive everything that’s crazy. And I mean everything. These days, it’s pretty much an all-day job—but it has to be done. Every time the crazy starts to peep out at you in the world, forgive it. Let it go. And then, when it shows again—even if it’s five minutes later—take a moment to forgive again. Then return your focus to the love, the good, and the beautiful. 

Choosing this perspective is the first step toward stepping off the psycho planet and into a life rooted in love, gratitude, and forgiveness. 

Want to go deeper into forgiveness? 

Explore how forgiveness reconnects us to divine compassion in Unblocking our Connection to Love . My book, Forgiveness is the Key to Happiness , offers heartfelt guidance, spiritual tools, and real-life practices. Read it on Amazon → 

Let daily affirmations support you too — discover the Forgiveness Metta Card Deck for a gentle morning practice of peace and release. View the deck on Etsy → 

Browse more forgiveness tools, art, and daily reminders in our Etsy Shop → 

Want to receive free weekly forgiveness coaching emails? Sign up and get insights, tools, and inspiration to deepen your practice of forgiveness → Sign up here 

Let these tools light your path — because forgiveness sets you free. — Sue Pipal

Why Some People Are Here to Test Our Forgiveness

The Challenge of Life’s Hard Moments

On a global level, it can sometimes feel as if many of us are moving backward rather than forward. War, crime, poverty, political strife, greed, and selfishness…so much of the world seems stuck in fear.

Seeing Life Through a Higher Lens

According to Colin Tipping’s teachings, some of us may actually be here to provide others with forgiveness opportunities. In fact, we may have agreed to certain “trespasses” even before we were born.

Think about that for a moment. What could be more for the higher good than sacrificing a little—or even a lot—of our personal comfort or growth in order to allow someone else the chance to learn, heal, or awaken?

Photo from Unsplash

Small and Large Scale Forgiveness

Sometimes, this happens on a small scale—with friends, family, or colleagues. But occasionally, it may appear on a grand scale: a particularly difficult or even evil person may challenge an entire community—or even the world.

Does this perspective make it easier to forgive people who make our lives difficult? Perhaps. Seeing others as unwitting teachers rather than enemies can change our hearts and free us from resentment. Forgiveness isn’t about approving of bad behavior; it’s about recognizing the higher truth that even the hardest interactions can serve a purpose in our growth.

Want to go deeper into forgiveness?

• Explore how forgiveness reconnects us to divine compassion in Unblocking our Connection to Love.

• For more on the topic of world leaders, How to Forgive Cruel World Leaders.

• My book, Forgiveness is the Key to Happiness, offers heartfelt guidance, spiritual tools, and real-life practices. Read it on Amazon →

• Let daily affirmations support you too — discover the Forgiveness Metta Card Deck for a gentle morning practice of peace and release. View the deck on Etsy →

• Browse more forgiveness tools, art, and daily reminders in our Etsy Shop →

• Want to receive free weekly forgiveness coaching emails? Sign up and get insights, tools, and inspiration to deepen your practice of forgiveness → Sign up here

Let these tools light your path — because forgiveness sets you free.
— Sue Pipal

Jesus Said To Forgive... Because He Said So

 Why We Sometimes Resist Forgiveness

When you were younger, your mother told you to clean up your room. Maybe you didn’t really see the purpose in having a clean room. Maybe toys and clothes strung all over the floor suited you just fine. But... Mother said so. She told you to clean it up. Period. And if you questioned her, she might have even said, “Because I say so.”

Photo by Vije Vijendranath on Unsplash

Now, all these years later, you might just realize that she was right all along. Having a clean room actually makes life so much better. It’s easier to find things, it’s more peaceful, and it just feels better to be in a space that’s tidy. Mother knew best.

Just like Mother, Jesus always knows best. When He tells you to forgive, you do it. Not because you understand the full reason right away, but because Jesus said so.

Forgiveness may not always make sense in the moment. It may feel difficult or unfair, especially when someone has wronged you. But just like cleaning your room, forgiveness has a purpose. It clears the clutter from your heart, making space for peace, joy, and love to flow. It sets you free.

Jesus’ Command to Forgive

Jesus didn’t just suggest forgiveness; He commanded it. In the Gospels, He says, “Forgive, and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37). A Course in Miracles echoes this: “You who have sought release in many ways must now accept the one true means of release, which is forgiveness."— A Course in Miracles, T-9.VII.3:6

Forgiveness Makes Life Better

When Jesus tells us something is crucially important, we trust that He knows best. And just like a clean room, forgiveness ultimately makes our lives better. So, the next time forgiveness feels hard, remember: Jesus said to do it. And like Mother’s wisdom, it’s for your own good.

Want to go deeper into forgiveness?

• Explore how forgiveness reconnects us to divine compassion in Unblocking our Connection to Love.
• My book, Forgiveness is the Key to Happiness, offers heartfelt guidance, spiritual tools, and real-life practices. Read it on Amazon →
• Let daily affirmations support you too — discover the Forgiveness Metta Card Deck for a gentle morning practice of peace and release. View the deck on Etsy → https://www.etsy.com/listing/4350470896/metta-prayer-forgiveness-affirmation
  
• Want to receive free weekly forgiveness coaching emails? Sign up and get insights, tools, and inspiration to deepen your practice of forgiveness. Sign up here →
  
• New: Explore the Forgive and Be Happy Etsy Shop for more inspiration and products: https://www.etsy.com/shop/ForgiveAndBeHappy                       

Let these tools light your path — because forgiveness sets you free.

— Sue Pipal

Knowing I Have to Forgive Feels Like Punishment… and I'm Not the One Who Did Anything Wrong

 

Sometimes there’s no worse feeling than realizing someone has done something truly terrible — and somehow, it’s your job to forgive them.

Photo by Muhmed Alaa El-Bank 

Maybe they lied. Maybe they betrayed you, hurt someone you love, or caused real harm in the world. You're the one who’s been wounded… and yet you're the one who has to take the high road?
It can feel unfair. Like you’re being asked to carry the burden of making peace — when the other person hasn't even apologized.

Honestly, getting started on forgiveness can be one of the most uncomfortable parts of the spiritual path.

There’s a moment — sometimes many moments — where forgiveness feels like giving up your sense of justice. Like letting someone “get away with it.” Like betraying your own pain.

And that’s where we need to pause and shift how we understand forgiveness.

Forgiveness isn’t saying it was okay.

It’s not pretending something didn’t hurt, or that it wasn’t wrong.

Forgiveness is saying:
“I refuse to let this pain rule my life any longer.”
It’s choosing freedom.
It’s choosing peace.
It’s choosing to stop carrying the energy of a harmful person or situation in your nervous system, your body, your thoughts.

When we forgive, we’re not excusing the behavior.
We’re releasing the hold it has on us.

It may feel hard at first — like you're being asked to let go when what you really want is justice.
But forgiveness doesn’t deny justice.
It simply says: “I trust that the universe, God, karma, or the soul's own journey will handle that part. My job is to reclaim my peace.”

You’re not letting them off the hook.
You're letting yourself off the hook.

You're not forgetting what happened.
You're simply choosing not to let it poison your spirit any longer.

You don't have to invite them over to dinner.  You don't even have to be anywhere near them if you don't want to.  

Jesus washed their feet.  But luckily, that is not being asked of us. We are only asked to forgive.  

It's sometimes hard to get started at, but with a little practice, we can do it readily and easily.

Forgiveness isn’t weakness.
It’s power.
It’s strength.
And sometimes — it’s the bravest thing you’ll ever do.

Photo by Aleksandr Ledogorov

Want to go deeper into forgiveness?

• Explore how forgiveness reconnects us to divine compassion in Unblocking our Connection to Love.
• My book, Forgiveness is the Key to Happiness, offers heartfelt guidance, spiritual tools, and real-life practices.  Read it on Amazon →
• Let daily affirmations support you too — discover the Forgiveness Metta Card Deck for a gentle morning practice of peace and release. View the deck on Etsy →

Let these tools light your path — because forgiveness sets you free.
— Sue Pipal

The Judger Always Feels Judged

 A Course in Miracles Insight on Healing Criticism

"The Judger Always Feels Judged."

I've had this statement taped to the inside of my medicine cabinet door for the past four years at least.  I'm not sure where I found it, perhaps it's from A Course in Miracles.

What We Give, We Receive

It is an important reminder each day that what we give out is returned to us.  If I mentally criticize others on a regular basis, I know that I will feel like the world around me is watching me with disapproving eyes.

 
On the other hand, if I go about my day looking for the best aspects of everyone I meet, seeing them through eyes of love and overlooking shortcomings, I will be supported, valued and cherished by the world around me.

Seeing Through Eyes of Love

I once attended a seminar with Stuart Mooney, a self acclaimed American Buddha, who says he is enlightened.  I love what he had to say about the people in his world, "I just love everyone I see.  To me they are just so lovable, even the unpleasant ones."  Isn't this a perfect way to put it?

Everyone Is on Their Own Journey

Of course, not everyone out there is making the best choices.  When I say overlooking shortcomings, it's not that we don't always see another's "unpleasantness", but that we do learn to accept it as what is.  It's our job to respect everyone's right to their own adventures in this world.  If they choose to be difficult or misled, we have to just chalk it up to the fact that they simply don't know better and they're doing whatever it is they think they need to do to make the best of this life.  As Course students, we often say that we all either living love or crying out for love.

A Course in Miracles says that "we don't know what anything is for."  Therefore it's important not to judge what we see around us.  Since we are all here to get our forgiveness lessons so that we can grow and purify ourselves--until we eventually awaken, it is quite necessary that we have forgiveness opportunities.  That means someone has to play the bad guy so that there will be something to forgive. The person that you love to hate just may be a soul who has come here in this lifetime with an agreement to be annoying so that you can have the opportunity to forgive him and grow.

Of course, I'm not suggesting that we allow murders and child molesters to roam freely harming others at will.  When people behave in a manner that is dangerous to others, we need to protect the innocents. However, even criminals are deserving of our loving forgiveness.

Forgiveness as a Spiritual Practice

Healing one's mind of the habit of judging is not something that happens over-night, at least in my experience.  I've been working on it for some years now and although I've made a lot of progress, I still find my mind thinking critical thoughts occasionally.  It really is only a habit though and if you stop and notice it, over time it will lessen.

Watch Your Mind, Even on Screen

I think it's very important that we carefully watch television, listen to the radio, read the papers or browse the internet.  And we need to make sure we’re not judging people we don’t even know (or even judging characters in TV shows or movies).  Just because we don't know someone does not give us the license to judge them.  Remember that all minds are linked and on some level, you are attacking these people.  Also, this habit of judging people and fictional characters makes it even harder to stop judging the real people in our lives. 

Want to go deeper into forgiveness?

Read this posting that explains more on why forgiveness is our best pathway to peace and happiness: Unblocking our Connection to Love

My book, Forgiveness is the Key to Happiness, offers gentle guidance, spiritual reflections, and real-world practices to help you heal, release, and return to peace.

Explore the book on Amazon → Forgiveness is the Key to Happiness

Make forgiveness a daily practice. Let the Forgiveness Metta Cards guide you each morning with affirmations and soul-soothing reminders to help you release and bless. A beautiful companion to your journal or meditation time.

Take a look on Etsy → 

Let these tools support your journey — because forgiveness sets you free.

— Sue Pipal

The Importance of Forgiveness in Jesus’ Teachings: A Path to Peace

"And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." 

Jesus' teachings emphasize the profound importance of forgiveness in our spiritual lives. He repeatedly instructed us to forgive others, not just seven times, but seventy times seven (Matthew 18:22), highlighting the boundless nature of forgiveness. He even forgave those who crucified him, showing us that forgiveness is the key to healing and peace. For Jesus, forgiveness wasn't just a moral imperative; it was a pathway to freedom from suffering, aligning us with the love and compassion of God. His words and actions set the ultimate example of how to live in alignment with divine love and compassion through the practice of forgiveness.

Want to go deeper into forgiveness?

• Explore how forgiveness reconnects us to divine compassion in Unblocking our Connection to Love.
• My book, Forgiveness is the Key to Happiness, offers heartfelt guidance, spiritual tools, and real-life practices. Read it on Amazon →
• Let daily affirmations support you too — discover the Forgiveness Metta Card Deck for a gentle morning practice of peace and release. View the deck on Etsy →

Let these tools light your path — because forgiveness sets you free.
— Sue Pipal