Remembering our Guiltlessness

We learn of our guiltlessness when a brother or sister looks at us and sees not a body but rather that which is worthy of love and wholly undeserving of punishment (e.g., T-13.In.1:2).

It is the so-called other who reminds us of God’s uninterrupted, unconditional Love, effectively restoring it to our mind.

And it is remembrance of our guiltlessness which allows us to see the guiltlessness of our brothers and sisters.

Finally, it is this cycle of reminding others of their guiltlessness and remembering our own that allows us to be truly happy and at peace because guiltlessness aligns our thinking with reality, which is joyful and free of conflict.

This world is a picture of the crucifixion of God’s Son. And until you realize that God’s Son cannot be crucified, this is the world you will see. Yet you will not realize this until you accept the eternal fact that God’s Son is not guilty. He deserves only love because he has given only love. He cannot be condemned because he has never condemned (T-13.In.4:1-5).

Our innocence – which is shared – redeems the world.

The one who looks at us and sees us as innocent and deserving only of love has given us a gift. The unconditional nature of the gift perfectly reflects our innocence and love. Through us, it naturally offers itself to others because sharing is what love is.

This is an experience that we have in a body which then maps itself onto mind (leaving body behind). Somebody loves us in a way which so utterly transcends the body that it is no longer possible to pretend that we are bodies.

Our real identity is brought forth by the unconditional love that our brother or sister gives to us and which we give to them.

When we remember our guiltlessness, we see instantly through the illusion of self-as-body. Guiltlessness reflects our creation in God’s image as Love. It is not a love that bodies can share because it cannot be held separately or divided. Innocence is wholeness (e.g., T-3.II.2:1).

And wholeness can only perceive itself, no matter how many pieces it appears to be fragmented into. Thus, from my guiltlessness I can only see your guiltlessness. And all the world is transformed accordingly.

Alone we are all lowly, but together we shine with a brightness so intense that none of us alone can even think of it. Before the glorious radiance of the Kingdom guilt melts away and, transformed into kindness, will never more be what it was (T-13.X.14:2-3).

All this occurs in relationship. A Course in Miracles is an invitation to give close attention to each of our relationships in the world – not for what we can get from them but for what can be offered to the world through them.

In other words, a holy relationship is one in which we are no longer directing outcomes or effects. We surrender its form in the world entirely and, in doing so, are allowed to perceive its true meaning in and as love.

This love – both as we receive it and as we offer it – is a gift. We cannot remember our guiltlessness, and thus become truly happy and at peace, until we let go of the insistence that we can decide who to love and when to love and what love will look like and feel like and so forth. The desire to control love – which is the whole function of ego – is a form of hate. All its works are violent.

In this sense, we are peace activists – lovers actively working against hate by no longer resisting it, and thus freely entering into relationships that confirm our shared guiltlessness.

Do not fight your ego. Cling to nothing and reach for nothing, no matter how loudly the urge to cling or grab resounds. Surrender entirely. Kneel, bow your head, offer your life gladly. Keep nothing.

Here is my promise: in the silence and stillness that follows this radical letting go, a brother or sister will appear, and they will see you in a way that will remind you of your perfection and innocence. By offering it in turn, you ensure that neither of you will ever forget it again.

Now ask yourself: what have you done that I should know this?