Forgiveness
Forgiveness can be really hard to do.
It’s always been one that I struggle with. Not all the time but just on one thing that happened in my life that caused a great pain.
The lord wants us to forgive one another. We cannot expect forgiveness from our Heavenly Father if we cannot forgive also.
Forgiving can be very freeing and healing to your soul.
This week I learned that sometimes I feel like I can’t forgive because that means that let’s the other person “off the hook.” That their debt doesn’t have to be paid but the debt doesn’t need to be paid to me. They still have to answer to the Father. So I leave that in his hands. #LDS #christian #forgiveness
It's true, forgiveness can feel like an impossible mountain to climb. I've been there, wrestling with deep-seated pain and the idea that forgiving someone somehow lets them off the hook. But through my own journey, diving into what the Bible truly says about forgiveness, I've discovered a profound path to healing and freedom. One of the most impactful lessons for me came from understanding the phrase 'as we forgive our debtors, forgive us our debts,' directly from Matthew 6:12. This verse, often recited in the Lord's Prayer, highlights a powerful spiritual principle: our ability to receive divine forgiveness is intertwined with our willingness to extend it to others. It’s not about condoning wrong actions, but recognizing that holding onto anger or resentment keeps us in bondage. It's a key part of why 'we must forgive.' This concept really hit home when I thought about the 'root of bitterness and unforgiveness.' Unforgiveness can fester, growing into a poisonous root that impacts every area of our lives – our relationships, our peace of mind, and even our spiritual connection. It's like carrying a heavy burden that only grows heavier with time. I remember reading Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's profound words on 'What Forgiveness Does Not Require.' He beautifully explains that forgiveness isn't about denying the pain or returning to toxic situations. This was a game-changer for me! It relieved so much pressure. It meant I didn't have to pretend the hurt didn't happen, or that the person was suddenly absolved in my eyes. Instead, it's about finding my healing, releasing the burden from my heart. This perspective is so crucial because it reframes forgiveness as an act of self-love and liberation, rather than an act of validating someone else's wrong. Other scriptures have also illuminated this path. D&C 64:10 reminds us of the Lord’s command to 'forgive all men,' emphasizing the universal nature of this principle. And Mark 11:25 connects forgiveness directly to our prayers, suggesting that when we stand praying, we should forgive if we have anything against anyone, so that our Heavenly Father may also forgive us our trespasses. These verses powerfully underscore the deep connection between 'love and forgiveness in the Bible.' Forgiveness, in its essence, is an act of love – love for God, love for ourselves, and even a difficult love for those who have wronged us, allowing us to move past the hurt. It's a continuous process, not a one-time event. There are days when the old feelings try to resurface, but now I have these powerful biblical tools and the understanding that my forgiveness isn't about letting someone off my hook, but rather entrusting them to a higher judgment and freeing myself. It’s about choosing peace, choosing healing, and choosing to align my heart with divine principles. This journey towards forgiveness has been incredibly freeing and healing to my soul, just as the original article mentions. It’s truly a transformative process that allows us to find profound peace.
