Lesson #9 in the Spencer W. Kimball manual this year is entitled, “Forgiving Others with All Our Hearts.” President Kimball emphasized that, as we seek forgiveness from the Lord for our sins and trespasses, we must also be willing to extend forgiveness to those who have wronged us. It doesn’t matter if they are truly eager to be forgiven – we have to forgive them and move on, or we will never find peace within ourselves.
Directly quoted from the manual: “A common error is the idea that the offender must apologize and humble himself to the dust before forgiveness is required. Certainly, the one who does the injury should totally make his adjustment, but as for the offended one, he must forgive the offender regardless of the attitude of the other.”
One of the great messages of President Kimball’s ministry was the importance of forgiveness. He often exhorted the church membership to put aside differences and work together to build the Lord’s kingdom.
Forgiveness is absolutely essential in our quest for the Celestial Kingdom, and we must forgive to be forgiven. It’s not easy, but it is crucial. “I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you, it is required to forgive all men.” Doctrine and Covenants 64:8-10
We cannot continue to hold malice toward one we say we have forgiven. Part of the forgiveness process is letting go and being willing to forget the things that have happened, rather than reliving them and letting them fester. Whatever else happens, we should never hound the offender with their deeds and cause them to feel guilty at every opportunity. It is not up to us to make sure “justice” is done. That must be left to the church or the law, if the offense was that great. We cannot take it upon ourselves to make sure they get what’s coming to them. We cannot judge what punishment, if any, they truly do deserve.
Forgiveness is not there so that our enemies can get away scot-free. Forgiveness is there for us, so we don’t have to suffer with feelings of anger and bitterness. Those who have trespassed against us may not realize what they’ve done, but as we choose to let go, we can live our lives free of hatred, and that truly brings peace.
Related Blogs:
Don’t Judge the Church by the People