Learn to Forgive — D&C 71-75 — Life Experienced with Terri Anne Flint

On the top ten list of life’s hard things is when a person you trusted and loved betrays you by speaking unkind words to others about your character, actions, and the experiences you had together. Even more difficult is when your attempts to discuss the situation and try to resolve differences are denied. This situation is devastating. It leaves you with a damaged heart and difficult choices. Be revengeful and do what they did to you? Ignore it by stuffing the hurt inside to fester? Internalize it and feel guilt and shame? Carry the load of resentment forever?

The best choice comes from the counsel given to Joseph as he struggled to deal with Ezra Booth leaving the church and becoming an influential critic, “I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men” (D&C 64:10). Easy to say, so hard to do. This may be one of the most challenging skills for Saints to understand and learn.

Forgiveness begins with the desire, the intention, the choice to forgive. Once this is your goal, even if it feels unobtainable at the time, small decisions over time, maybe a long time, lead you there. This decision brings the Savior and His guiding strength and power to your cause.

+What did I learn about Jesus? He requires forgiveness, but forgiveness requires Him.

“Resentment is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.” –Unknown
“Through His infinite Atonement, you can forgive those who have hurt you and who may never accept responsibility for their cruelty to you. It is usually easy to forgive one who sincerely and humbly seeks your forgiveness. But the Savior will grant you the ability to forgive anyone who has mistreated you in any way. Then their hurtful acts can no longer canker your soul.” –President Russell M. Nelson

Learn to Forgive — D&C 71-75