Joseph reassured his brothers, "Be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves." Guilt serves a valuable purpose in motivating change, but when that purpose has been accomplished, it's time to let the guilt go. We should avoid obsessing over past mistakes and look instead toward a bright future.
Boundaries and Forgiveness
All relationships need boundaries, and setting limits on appropriate behavior does not lessen love or forgiveness. The Lord taught Alma that there are behavioral boundaries for church members, but He reiterated that church members should forgive one another. Forgiveness involves seeing others as children of God, even as we establish and maintain healthy relationship boundaries.
Frankly…
The word "frankly" means "freely." When we forgive "frankly," like Nephi, it is without conditions. It is a gift; it doesn't have to be earned. We give it freely, and in the process, we free ourselves of a burden we would otherwise carry.
They Know Not
Acknowledging the boundaries of human knowledge can help us forgive. Jesus prayed, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." We can also extend grace to others by assuming they will do better when they know better.
“Mine Own Familiar Friend”
Jesus loved His enemies, as He counseled us to do. He treated Judas with respect. He healed the ear of the high priest's servant. And He prayed for His executioners. We should follow His example of kindness toward those who oppose us.
Not to Condemn
When we see imperfections in ourselves or in others, we have two choices: We can condemn, or we can forgive. God sent Jesus Christ to save us, not to condemn us. We can follow His example by looking to the future instead of dwelling on the past.
Beauty for Ashes
A key characteristic of the Savior's ministry was that He responded to evil with good. He expects the same from His disciples: "If ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?"... Continue Reading →
Forgiveness
Grudges and resentments are like dead weight which drag us down. Forgiveness is like dropping ballast from a balloon, allowing us to soar to new heights. During the final week of the Savior's mortal life, Peter asked Him how many times he should forgive someone who wronged him, even suggesting the generous number of seven... Continue Reading →
Imperfections
Moroni was painfully aware of his limitations. Consider the following passages in the first two chapters of his writings (Mormon 8 and 9): "Behold, my father hath made this record, and he hath written the intent thereof. And behold, I would write it also if I had room upon the plates, but I have not; and ore... Continue Reading →
Burying My Weapons
The Anti-Nephi-Lehies, who were converted to the gospel by the preaching of the sons of Mosiah, decided as a group to renounce violence. Encouraged by their king, they buried their weapons as a symbol of their commitment to live differently (Alma 24:6-19). The buried weapons had a very literal consequence for them shortly afterward. They... Continue Reading →