Forgiveness

One by One 
By Walter Rane 

A few weeks ago, I found myself in a conversation with a coworker. As we talked the topic of conversation turned in to one of gospel topics. We are both members of the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As such we have a shared foundation of belief. As the conversation moved from one topic to the next we began to talk about forgiveness. Now, I will not endeavor to relay the conversation we had. I will however convey the thoughts and impressions I had after, about said conversation.  

We need the power of the atonement of Jesus christ just as much when we endeavor to forgive others. As when we seek forgiveness for ourselves. Do we forgive as our savior does? Has he not suffered for our mistake as well as for the mistakes of our fellow brothers and sisters? We can look to Christ and say I can forgive because he has forgiven. "Let he that is without sin among you, let him cast the first stone...." he can heal the pain caused by another. Just as he can heal the pain we case to others. Revenge, holding grudges, disdain for another, and evening the score, should never be found within us. " I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men." (D&C 64:10) the lord not only spoke this command but he lives it and gave us an example. "Nether do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more", (John 8:11) "....forgive them father for they know not what they do..." (Luke 23:34) In the parable of the prodigal son. We read of a father who accepts a wayward son in full. He throws a party for his return after years of hedonistic living. He squandered all he was give. He also suffered the ramifications of his actions. But when he turned from that life he found a father who ran to great him. Full forgiveness was his. 

Balm Of Gilead
By Annie Henrie Nader

Now there is something to be said about trust. How did the father know he could trust his son not to repeat his actions. I believe that’s where faith hope charity patients play its part. I believe after that party of welcome for his son the father and the son I’m sure had a long talk. The son was probably given responsibilities. Responsibilities that I’m sure tested him and gave him opportunity to grow and prove himself and more were added. And I’m sure if he faltered his father would council and set him on the path again. The father has faith in him. He has patience with him. He has charity for him. And hope to make something more of him.  I’m not sure there is such thing as halfway forgiveness with our father. It full and complete.  He will not I trust you with everything all at once. But he has a desire too. He will build you up until he see you are ready. Not as punishment, but as an understanding of where you have been how far you have come and how far you have yet to go. Can we not do the same for one another? Receive true repentance with rejoicing. Quickly followed by building back up a new. 

Now forgiveness is a hard thing. Especially depending on what the action was that caused the hurt anger or pain. But I will say is if we hand it to the Lord he will teach you how to forgive. He will guide you to see others as he sees them. He said "turn the other cheek" (matthew 5:39) I wonder if that is speaking to a desire to forgive. And in doing so you are trusting that the offender has changed and repented. These through faith and hope they will not harm you again. Just as the prodigal son and his father. The father was alway open and willing to receive his son once he turned from his old life. The father did not go seeking for his son. He waited hoping and praying for his son. He saw him not as an enemy. He had forgiven him long ago. He just needed his son to find his way back. We can alway hold in our hearts that those who harmed us may see their errors. That they may see the harm they have caused. We in turn must remain open and receptive out "cheek" must be turned when that time comes.

43Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. (Mathew 5:43-45)

Before the apology comes; and it may never come. We need to be prepared and willing, beforehand to forgive. I believe that scripture is the roadmap to achieve a devine level of forgiveness. Love them, pray for them, bless them, do good to them.

"When we choose to forgive others, we allow the Lord to remove the poison from our souls. We permit Him to soothe and soften our hearts so we can see others, especially those who have wronged us, as children of God and as our brothers and sisters.

.... I would invite you to consider prayerfully if there is someone whom you should forgive or someone you should ask to forgive you. I promise that the Savior will relieve you of anger, resentment, and pain. The Prince of Peace will bring you peace."(President Russell M. Nelson April 2, 2024 Instagram post )