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# The Power of Forgiveness
- URL: https://www.thehiddenorchard.com/the-power-of-forgiveness/
- Published: 2022-07-10T21:59:40.000Z
- Updated: 2022-07-28T20:04:32.000Z
- Author: James - The Hidden Orchard
- Tags: Thoughts, Stories

In the Zohar, a story is told about a traveler, who seems to have evaded death in his sleep – not once, but twice. To paraphrase the story:

> Rabbi Aba was walking along the road when he noticed a traveler sleeping on a small hill that overlooks a valley. The Rabbi spotted a snake creeping towards the man. Preparing to attack, the snake coiled in front of the sleeping man when a large segment of the tree fell on the snake, crushing it. Amidst the commotion, the man suddenly awoke to find a dead snake near him. Quickly rising to his feet, he backed away from the place where he slept when suddenly the hill began to break away. A landslide ensued, carrying that section of earth down into a valley below, thus the man escaped death twice.

> Rabbi Aba ran towards the man and asked him, “What have you done that G\_D performed two miracles for you?!”

> The man replied, “In all my days, I forgave anyone who did evil towards me. If I could not make peace, I would not let myself sleep until I forgave everyone.”

> “Then, I’ve tried my best not to harbor hatred and I’ve always tried to do kindness for anyone who harmed me so they don’t think I hate them.”

> Rabbi Aba, in amazement replied, “These deeds exceed even those of Joseph for Joseph forgave his brothers \[who wronged him\], but you show mercy to complete strangers. This is why you are worthy for G\_D to perform miracles for you.”

This story teaches us that there is a hidden power in forgiveness. In a world where retaliation or grudge-bearing are the norm - forgiveness is a life-giving and other-worldly gift to be shared.