I read the most wonderful quote on forgiving by Elder Richard G. Scott:
"Forgiveness ... allows the love of God to purge your heart and mind of the poison of hate. It cleanses your consciousness of the desire for revenge. It makes place for the purifying, healing, restoring love of the Lord."
This is from the April 1992 General Conference. The manual explained the quote like this:
"...forgiving others does not mean approving of their wrongdoing or offense. Forgiving someone means that with the help of our Father in Heaven, we can cleanse our hearts of anger or hatred toward the offender, cease to dwell on the offense, and feel peace. This process is not always easy or quick, but Heavenly Father will help us as we try to forgive."
What a wonderful definition of forgiveness! To me, it once again goes back to our relationship with God rather than whoever offended/hurt us. I've always known that forgiveness is more for us than for whom we forgive, but this was a clear explanation why. Just thought I'd share.
3 comments:
and I think marriage to a person who has a front row view to all your faults and to a person who's opinion matters so much to you is the number one teacher of forgiveness.
A very nice thought--his and yours. Thank you for sharing. If you didn't see his fireside tonight, I highly recommend it! It was so wonderful!!!
Heidi - We enjoyed his fireside, too. He is so delightful. :) It's always such a treat to hear the apostles outside of Conference. (During Conference, too, of course, but you know what I mean.)
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