The Lord said: “Ye ought to forgive one another; for he that
forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord;
for there remaineth in him the greater sin.” (D&C 64:9).
My scripture and gospel study these past few
days has centered on "forgiving others." How often do we hear that in
order to receive forgiveness from God, we need to repent? (here’s just a few
examples -Mosiah 27:24, Alma 5:31, Moses 6:57)
Soooo…..shouldn’t others who have offended us do
the same before we forgive them? Shouldn’t others who have hurt us apologize
before we begin extending mercy and kindness to them?
I don’t believe so.
In fact, God has said, "I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will
forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men." (D&C 64:10).
Of us, it is required to forgive ALL men… This
implies that we forgive regardless if others admit their wrong to us or not,
regardless if they are sorry. WHY?
Because when we hold on to grudges, hate, or
bitterness (no matter how big or small - and no matter how justified we might
feel)- it robs us from having peace in our hearts, it robs us from feeling the
Spirit, from feeling Christ-like love for others, it destroys us. Healing comes
from letting go of these things, from turning over to God, from allowing the
atonement to be in our lives and in others.
- Alicia
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