Cruel world leaders? It's not anything new. Throughout history mankind has been led by self-serving, power hungry world leaders who have put their desires above the needs of those they lead. Wars, poverty, and suffering in many forms are created by singular individuals or small groups who have used their power for their own selfish gains.
Today not much has changed. People continue to suffer in many places due to narcissistic leaders who start wars, oppress others or simply deny their people basic rights... all for the gain of power, land, resources or money.
Why Forgiving Leaders Is So Hard — and So Necessary
From a spiritual perspective, how are we meant to respond? On the one hand we see the suffering they create. On the other hand, we know that we must forgive them. Yes--it's a hard assignment, sometimes distasteful, perhaps one of the most difficult we will be given in life. But we need to tackle it, so let's go.
A Spiritual Perspective on Global Suffering
First, let’s zoom out and simply accept, as A Course in Miracles teaches, that we never truly know what anything is for here. As souls, do we finally collectively evolve when we look upon all the horrible suffering in the world and choose love? Could it be possible that suffering exists as a catalyst to help the people of the world to join together to create a better world and choose love, sharing, service and oneness finally and forever over fear, hatred and self service? Maybe, just maybe, these challenging world leaders exist to help us evolve. They provide the contrast as what we don't want from which we can choose anew. We might see them as great learning tools for society as a whole.
Second, we need to know deep in our hearts that every one of us, no matter how seemingly difficult, ugly or bullying is actually part of the great oneness. We are all sourced from God. We are all joined together as one and all minds are connected. It's true that when we come here to this crazy confusing planet many of us forget who we are, get lost in the madness and behave badly. But that behavior does not change who we really are, our true identity as a Child of God. It just means that we are temporarily not aware of who we are.
Remember the words of Jesus on the cross, "Forgive them, Father, for they know not what they do". This is an important key to forgiveness, knowing that ultimately people might do better if they knew better.
It's Okay to Feel the Pain
So here's how I forgive world leaders. Often, I'll catch a headline on my ipad or I'll hear a story on NPR as I'm driving around in my car. First, I stop and feel my feelings. It's okay to acknowledge the pain. For me, lately, its often specifically grief and sadness that I feel over the suffering today in places like the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, the hunger in Africa, the displacement of people such as in Myanmar, the denial of women's rights in Iran and Afghanistan and so many other places and issues. (And of course, the painful schism right here at home in the US!)
Notice When You Judge
I may also notice myself judging and condemning various people or groups. Perhaps I might think something like, "I can't believe _______ is doing such a cruel thing. He is a selfish bully who is only out for himself and is completely blinded about how his decisions affect others in the world."
All right. Take a beat.
It's time to just notice that I am judging. No need for me to criticize or scold myself for this. I just notice and maybe take a breath or two to get myself back into my heart space. And, by the way, I must be sure not to get so activated that I go into victim mode along with those harmed by these leaders. I need to dig deep to control my thoughts and immediately stop all that negative jabber thinking in my brain right here. I ban thoughts like, "That's so unfair. He's a hideous man. I hate him." I use my breath to get myself into a calmer space of neutrality where I can do the important forgiveness work I need to do.
A Forgiveness Prayer for World Leaders
After I allow myself a moment to acknowledge my feelings followed by a little breathing and mind calming, I'll start to think or say something like:
"World leader or power group (fill in any appropriate name) _______________, You are Spirit, whole and innocent. I forgive you. I release you. I bless you with love."
I might repeat or chant this for awhile until I feel a release in my heart.
Then I simply go on with my day until the next time something happens and I feel activated again. I might have to repeat this little forgiveness trick every time I hear the news about this particular leader or part of the world. That's okay. I just keep noticing my feelings and working on my forgiveness. If it's a daily thing or even something I need to do many times a day, that's just fine. I just keep forgiving and converting my fearful, judgmental, angry, sad thoughts into forgiveness and love. That's my job in all this. It's the way I can be the most helpful to the world. And it's your job too. It's your mission, should you decide to accept it.
Sometimes, that little short saying just isn't enough to clear through the anguish I feel at what is happening in the world. In that case I pull out my big forgiveness prayer. It always does the job for me although sometimes I have to do it two or three times to obtain peace. Here it is:
"World Leader_____________, You are Spirit, whole and innocent. I forgive you, I release you, I bless you with love. You are a child of God, perfect, whole and complete. God created you exactly in his own image. You are pure Love, you are pure Joy, you are perfect Peace. God loves you infinitely. You are God's beloved only Son. I forgive you. I release you. I bless you with love."
Blessed relief. That feels better!
What About Their Supporters?
But wait, there's more...what do I do about supporters of selfish World Leaders? Some of these leaders have actually been voted into power! We forgive their supporters, too, of course, even if we can't relate at all to their opinions and choices. Remember that God gave us all the gift of free will. Free will is a law of the universe. It seems that it was important to Him that we all be given the chance to choose how we perceive the world to be. Everybody gets to choose their own favorite ride in this crazy Disneyland world. Accept that. Get over it. Let them be. Stop judging. And go ahead and use one of the forgiveness practices above to forgive them.
Best of all, you'll feel better when you do.
Why Forgiveness Helps You
Remember that forgiveness releases you, too. It's actually a gift you give to yourself. Another law of the Universe--you get what you give. When you forgive and offer love, what comes back to you is peace.
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, “Forgive and Be Happy,” 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
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