Thursday, February 6, 2014

Forgiveness



Forgiveness, forgiveness, forgiveness...now that is quite the topic! The old and modern prophets (and the Lord himself) have taught us plainly that we have to forgive others. There is even what I think of as extra motivation: in order for us to be forgiven, we must forgive others. But why is it so important that we forgive others?

When I think about forgiveness, my mind immediately goes back to how I have to repent of the sin of not forgiving. Unfortunately sometimes I tend to hang on to things happened a long time ago, and I use those experiences as a crutch to remember and open old wounds. Even more unfortunate is the fact that I know as a nursing student that keeping wounds open can almost guarantee an infection that if left untreated, leads to disease and decay.
On 2 Corinthians 2:1-11, Paul teaches the saints that instead of being punished (verse 6) by being afflicted (or being rejected by the saints), that the transgressor should instead be forgiven and comforted (verse 7). Paul even cautions that failure to forgive the transgressor would mean that the saints would mean walking into Satan's trap (verse 11).

Forgiving the transgressor who happens to be a member of our ward (as the case may have been, according to scholars) is essential for the growth of the kingdom of God on the earth. President Kimball said the following:

"Forgiveness is the miraculous ingredient that assures harmony and love in the home or the ward. Without it there is contention. Without understanding and forgiveness there is dissension, followed by lack of harmony, and this breeds disloyalty in homes, in branches and in wards. On the other hand, forgiveness is harmonious with the spirit of the gospel, with the Spirit of Christ." (Miracle of Forgiveness, "Forgive to be Forgiven")

Forgiveness is essential to the growth of the church, for without harmony the Spirit will not abide in us, and others will want to learn more about our faith will not feel of the Holy Ghost there, for He will not be in our midst.

No comments: