By: Paulo Coelho
You only understand the power and importance of forgiveness if you had been forgiven. The short story below illlustrates this:
During a pilgrimage to a sacred place, a holy man began to feel the presence of God. In the midst of a trance he knelt down, hid his face and prayed:
“Lord, I ask for only one thing in life: that I be given the grace of never offending you.”
“I cannot grant you that grace,” answered the Almighty. ‘If you don’t offend me I shall have no reason to pardon you. If I have no need to pardon you, soon you will also forget the importance of mercy towards others.
“So go on your way with Love and let me grant pardon now and again so that you don’t forget that virtue as well.”
