Forgiveness

Recently I've thought a lot about the power of Forgiveness. Forgiveness comes in many forms: seeking forgiveness from another, being able to forgive someone for being wronged, accepting others heartfelt forgiveness, and seeking to be forgiven from God for a wrongdoing. Their is great power in the principle of forgiveness. I believe that forgiveness is one of the noblest attributes that one can develop in this life. Saying sorry to someone that has wronged you is much easier than holding onto a grudge. Our Father in Heaven will forgive us as we forgive others (Matthew 6:14). Being able to forgive someone is not an easy task, but it is something we can accomplish with the Savior's help. We are fortunate to have the perfect example of love and forgiveness as an example to us. Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of Forgiveness. In His darkest hour as He was betrayed by His friends and was ultimately killed, He begged His Father to forgive those that were crucifying Him (Luke 23:34). This forgiveness, offered by the Savior, didn't wipe away their sin, but opened the door for them to repent.

 In one of my favorite hymns it claims "Forgiveness is a gift from thee We seek with pure intent (As Now We Take the Sacrament, 169)." Forgiveness truly is a gift from God. What greater gift can we be given than to be forgiven? What greater gift can we give than to forgive others?