Forgiveness

Forgiveness

If any have caused grief, the people of Corinth were commanded to forgive the person that caused their grief. Confirm your love in him that hurt you. The Lord will forgive whomever he will, but we are required to forgive all men. 

We see so many blessings if we forgive. If we forgive others we will be forgiven by God. 

James E. Faust said: If we can find forgiveness in our hearts for those who have caused us hurt and injury, we will rise to a higher level of self esteem and well-being.

Forgiveness is not always instant. Most times, especially when the crime committed against us is particularly terrible, we don’t think about forgiveness. We respond with anger.  But Dr. Sidney Simon said that, “forgiveness is freeing up and putting to better use the energy once consumed by holding grudges, harboring resentments, and nursing unhealed wounds. It is rediscovering the strength we always had and relocating our limitless capacity to understand and accept other people and ourselves.”

People don’t often think of the benefits of forgiving. Those who hold grudges are often unaware that to courageously forgive another person is wholesome and therapeutic. 

There is danger in failing to forgive. If we do not forgive we will be swallowed up in sorrow. Satan will have an advantage over us. Heavenly Father will not be inclined to forgive us our trespasses as we have not forgiven others. It is a greater sin to not forgive than for that person that did wrong to have committed their sin. 

President Brigham Young said: every calamity that can come upon mortal beings will be suffered to come upon the few, to prepare them to enjoy the presence of the Lord. ...Every trial and experience you have passed through is necessary for your salvation.” So be grateful for your trials. Forgive those that have wronged you. Though they are the source of sorrow and grief, it is also by them that we are prepared for the coming of our Savior.

Sources: 

2 Cor 2: 1-11

Matt 6: 14-15

D&C 64: 9-10

The Healing Power of Forgiveness 

James E. Faust