Why Should I Forgive? Part One

 10 I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.

 11 And ye ought to say in your hearts—let God judge between me and thee, and reward thee according to thy deeds.

Doctrine & Covenants 64:10-11

Take a moment and think. What is the hardest thing you have ever had to forgive? Have you ever wanted to hold a grudge against someone who hurt you? With those thoughts in mind, why does the Lord make it “required” that we “forgive all men”. Sure, the other person gets benefits out of us forgiving them, but do we get anything out of it to make it worth it?  More than anyone. 

When we don’t forgive, it perpetuates our hurts and keeps our wounds open and fresh. Although the offence may have happened years ago, an unforgiving heart allows the perpetrator to hurt you afresh every time their actions or words comes to mind.  Buddha is attributed to having said, “Holding onto anger is like drinking poison, and expecting the other person to die.” And so often, the other person has forgotten about what they did, or really doesn’t care about your feelings.

But what about justice? Verse 11 covers that.  Also the Lord has said, “Justice is mine, I will repay” (Romans 12:19).  

Today’s Recharge: Is there someone you need to forgive?  Don’t let them hurt, control, or ruin your life anymore!  Be set free by forgiving.  If you are not sure how, talk to a Church leader. Pray to God and ask Him how. With God’s help, you can be truly free.