What is forgiveness lds

To a certain extent, this may be good. But I believe that when we are despitefully used and persecuted, we are on trial as much as our enemies are. How can this be? When a person deprives me of my good name, my property, my sense of self-worth, or when someone violates my trust or likewise misuses a friend or family member, how am I on trial? Many years ago I approached a man I respected greatly, a leader in the Church, for counsel.

He shared a personal experience with me. Without revealing any personal details, he told me that a senior brother had unjustly called him to task during a Church meeting. Without learning all the facts, this brother had chastised and embarrassed him.

He deserves it! A few weeks later the correct information came to the senior brother, and he apologized and wept with my leader in love. Is he preparing me for something? Once, for example, I received a letter from someone who, from my point of view, upbraided me unjustly.

I was angry! I was hurt! He had no right to do that to me! I fumed and steamed. I told my wife, Judy, and she fumed and steamed. I talked to some of my friends, and they too were irate.

After seeing their reactions, however, I felt uncomfortable. I began to wonder if my behavior had been justified. I learned that there may be times when we do need to confide in someone if we have been hurt. We offer only a limited amount of data, most of it negative. I might tell my wife about a particular person I am really frustrated with, leaving her feeling the same way I do. A week later, I may feel good about that individual because of my ongoing relationship and because I can now see our problems in the proper perspective.

But Judy would not have that new information and may still be burdened with negative feelings. Am I trying to hurt the offender and find justification for my inappropriate responses? Or am I trying to sort things out and gain a new perspective so I can act appropriately? What effect will this have on my confidant? Can I be certain he or she will keep these things confidential?

Two negative reactions to injustice are common. One is to deny what is going on inside. They may continue to negatively influence our behavior in subtle ways without our even being aware of it. Another reaction is to wallow in our feelings, allowing them to become an obsession. We may talk about an individual who has wronged us to anyone who will listen. The Lord has promised:. You can experience this miracle, whether you need to repent of serious sins or day-to-day weaknesses.

Just as the Savior pleaded with people anciently, He pleads with you today:. In addition to seeking forgiveness for our own sins, we must be willing to forgive others. In the everyday circumstances of life, you will surely be wronged by other people—sometimes innocently and sometimes intentionally. He set the perfect example of forgiveness when He was on the cross. The Lord commands us to repent of our sins and seek His forgiveness.

He also commands us to forgive those who offend or hurt us. Sin is a heavy burden. It brings the tenseness of guilt and the anguish of knowing that we have acted against the will of our Father in Heaven.

It brings lingering remorse as we realize that because of our actions, we may have hurt others and prevented ourselves from receiving blessings our Father has been ready to give us. Because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can receive forgiveness for our sins through sincere and complete repentance. The Lord has promised:. We can experience this miracle, whether we need to repent of serious sins or day-to-day weaknesses.

Just as the Savior pleaded with people anciently, He pleads with us today:. In addition to seeking forgiveness for our own sins, we must be willing to forgive others.

In the everyday circumstances of life, we will surely be wronged by other people—sometimes innocently and sometimes intentionally. He set the perfect example of forgiveness when He was on the cross. We should pray for strength to forgive those who have wronged us, and we should abandon feelings of anger, bitterness, or revenge. We should also look for the good in others rather than focusing on their faults and magnifying their weaknesses. Atonement of Jesus Christ. Judging Others.

Genesis —5, Matthew — Luke Doctrine and Covenants — Additional Messages. Jeffrey A. Benjamin F. Brian D.