Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a very personal topic. It requires humility to be asked for forgiveness and it requires an open heart and contrite spirit to forgive others. When President James E. Faust gave the talk "The Healing Power of Forgiveness" after the school shooting in Amish country, I was so grateful. Their example of forgiveness was extremely influential. I can remember having my own heart softened as I read about their willingness to forgive. I was so grateful that President Faust chose to speak about their powerful ability to follow the savior. I want to be like that. I want to be like Nephi, who after being tied up and kept bound for three days by his brothers,  "did frankly forgive them," when they cut him loose and pled for forgiveness (1 Nephi 7:21).  I want to be a forgiving person, always.

                                                               Forgiveness Quotes
"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. Some recent studies show that people who are taught to forgive become “less angry, more hopeful, less depressed, less anxious and less stressed,” which leads to greater physical well-being. 9 Another of these studies concludes “that forgiveness … is a liberating gift [that] people can give to themselves." President James E. Faust, The Healing Power of Forgiveness, April 2007 General Conference 


"As part of loving one another, Jesus taught that when we are wronged by persons, we should forgive them (see Matthew 18:21–35; Mark 11:25–26; Luke 6:37). While many struggle with this difficult commandment, we all know of inspiring examples of Latter-day Saints who have given loving forgiveness, even for the most serious wrongs. For example, Chris Williams drew upon his faith in Jesus Christ to forgive the drunken driver who caused the death of his wife and two of their children. Only two days after the tragedy and still deeply distraught, this forgiving man, then serving as one of our bishops, said, “As a disciple of Christ, I had no other choice.”" Elder Dallin H. Oaks, Followers of Christ, April 2013 General Conference


“That great morning of forgiveness may not come at once. Do not give up if at first you fail. Often the most difficult part of repentance is to forgive yourself. Discouragement is part of that test. Do not give up. That brilliant morning will come." Boyd K. Packer, "The Brilliant Morning of Forgiveness",  October 1995 General Conference
 

“The Father’s plan of happiness for His children includes not only a premortal and mortal life but also an eternal life as well, including a great and glorious reunion with those we have lost. All wrongs will be righted, and we will see with perfect clarity and faultless perspective and understanding.” Quentin L. Cook, "The Songs They Could Not Sing" October 2011 General Conference


“We all long for peace. Peace is not just safety or lack of war, violence, conflict, and contention. Peace comes from knowing that the Savior knows who we are and knows that we have faith in Him, love Him, and keep His commandments, even and especially amid life’s devastating trials and tragedies.” Quentin L. Cook, "The Songs They Could Not Sing" October 2011 General Conference


"When it comes to hating, gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding grudges, or wanting to cause harm, please apply the following: Stop it!                                                                   It’s that simple. We simply have to stop judging others and replace judgmental thoughts and feelings with a heart full of love for God and His children." Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Merciful Obtain Mercy" April 2012 General Conference

"The most important aspects of redemption have to do with repentance and forgiveness..."D. Todd Christofferson, "Redemption" April 2013 General Conference



“Whatever the cost of repentance, it is swallowed up in the joy of forgiveness.” D. Todd Christofferson "The Divine Gift of Repentance", October 2011 General Conference
 
 “Real repentance, real change may require repeated attempts, but there is something refining and holy in such striving. Divine forgiveness and healing flow quite naturally to such a soul, for indeed “virtue loveth virtue; light cleaveth unto light; [and] mercy hath compassion on mercy and claimeth her own” (D&C 88:40).” D. Todd Christofferson "The Divine Gift of Repentance", October 2011 General Conference
 
"When the Lord requires that we forgive all men, that includes forgiving ourselves. Sometimes, of all the people in the world, the one who is the hardest to forgive—as well as perhaps the one who is most in need of our forgiveness—is the person looking back at us in the mirror." Dieter F. Uchtdorf "The Merciful Obtain Mercy", April 2012 General Conference
 

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