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Forgive and Forget



This topic of forgiveness will ring true for us for the rest of our lives. We, as humans, are imperfect, and because of that we will run into situations where disagreements and harsh sentences are exchanged. This will be a time where forgiveness will need to take place. But don’t worry, because we have the resources!
I loved the conference talk by an Apostle of the Lord, Elder James E. Faust. He spoke about many situations where families went through very tough trials, yet they were able to forgive. He then outlined three steps for dealing with hard feelings and turning around and forgiving.
        
1.   Recognize and acknowledge angry feelings
Hatred retards spiritual growth
2.   Let go
Cast out negative feelings of anger, spite, and revenge
3.   Forgive to be forgiven and lean on the Atonement


I think the most important aspect to focus on is to lean on the Atonement. Remembering Jesus Christ, and the Atonement that he performed for us can help us to remember that we need to forgive. So many terrible things happened to Christ, and yet he was able to forgive.

Can we do the same?

In relating this to our marriages, I want to pose the questions…

1.   When was the last time you had to forgive your spouse?
2.   Why did you choose to forgive them?
3.   Did it take you some time to get around to it?

If you answered yes to that last question, then know that you are perfectly human. It does take some time to forgive our spouses or friends when things go wrong. We may not even understand in the end why our spouse acted the way they did. But I believe that we have the power to forgive and forget because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Things may not be completely perfect because of it, but we can change our mindsets and understand that we’re all just trying our best. Even when it seems that someone isn’t!

So I challenge everyone who is reading this to be patient this week. Practice being patient with the mistakes of others, and if those mistakes do interfere with you, learn how to forgive and forget.

I also would love to share this video from the LDS church of a story of a young Dad who had to learn to forgive as half of his family members passed away from a drunk driver car accident.
It's not necessarily related to marriages, but practicing these characteristics will help us in all aspects of the relationships in our lives.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E7zwQ_7q-fU


References:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSsp4_Hfy0w


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