Miracle Principle 24

January 14, 2021

There are three things in this principle that really strike me. The first is that it takes care of any worry we may have about messing the process up. Even if, as we saw in the essay yesterday, we extend miracles with unpurified minds, Jesus “stand(s) at the end in case you fail temporarily.” (2:7) This means that our efforts are supported and strengthened by Jesus. He is “in charge of the process of Atonement…” (2:1) He is going to make sure it achieves its purpose. He tells us that his Atonement “was for the canceling out of all sins which you could not otherwise correct.” (2:2) He has said this before and I believe part of our process of becoming miracle workers is to really accept that “all the hurt and hate [I] have ever expressed is canceled.” (see cameo 3 p. 1702) We can assume then that any effort we make for a brother will act in the same way. Supported by Jesus, our efforts to give miracles, as flawed as they may be, will atone for our brother by canceling out any harmful or hurtful expression and it will also atone for our own. Jesus has done this for us countless times but the benefit of our giving miracles is that it is part of a chain that benefits the one we are giving miracles to, ourselves and Jesus.

The second thing about this principle that is important to note is that Jesus has changed the definition of sin and of Atonement. He tells us that “the word ‘sin’ should really be ‘absence of love.’” (3:1) This is a central Course concept and one that is a game changer in our efforts to become miracle workers. If sin is really an absence of love then what does it require? Jesus further demonstrates this idea with the analogy that the absence of love creates a vacuum in that it naturally demands to be filled. If there is an absence of love why would we fill it with hellfire? Hellfire is a word that means punishment or torture for sin. In this scenario if sin is really the absence of love what is called for? Certainly not hellfire. This just ends up frightening us and it destroys our freedom to accept and express love. I think we all know the power of a loving response to fear, anger, and aggression. Now we have an explanation that helps us change our thinking about sin and what it means.

We also have learned that Atonement is penance for sin. Jesus wants us to understand that “the word ‘atone’ really means ‘undo’; to set at one, or reconcile; to agree.” (4:1) This means that Jesus’ act of Atonement was to undo what was out of accord in the world and to reconcile that which was apart.

This brings us to the third part of what this miracle principle is teaching us. We have learned and over learned the laws and ways of this world including what sin is and that punishment or penance in the form of atonement is the appropriate response to it. By teaching us the new definitions for these words Jesus wants us to learn them so well that this new learning inhibits the inferior learning we have achieved before.

By learning that sin is absence of love and Atonement is undoing and reconciling as one, we will be open to giving miracles, supported by the Everlasting arms, bringing light into the darkness.

Reflection Suggestion:

Can you see yourself able to accept that Jesus has canceled any harm or hurt you have ever expressed?

What would it be like to feel fully and unconditionally forgiven?

Are there any fears coming up for you when you contemplate your forgiveness? How does this fear impede the process?

How could accepting full forgiveness help you give miracles?

 Suggested Practice:

Today I will accept I am completely forgiven and fill any absence of love with love not hellfire.