Skip to main content

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


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Redefining Marriage Week 3

Re-defining Marriage This week’s readings were about legalizing same sex marriage. What are your thoughts on Obergefell v. Hodges (2015)? The supreme court case that ruled that the  fundamental right  to  marry  is guaranteed to  same-sex couples . The ruling meant that all  fifty states  must lawfully perform and recognize the marriages of same-sex couples on the same terms and conditions as the marriages of opposite-sex couples, with all the accompanying rights and responsibilities. While I am all for understanding and acknowledging the differences of others. Not everyone in this earth is exactly the same, and I think we need to respect that fact. However, I also know that Marriage between Man and a Woman is ordained of God. It is the way that we continue birthing babies and replenishing the earth, and it is the only way a family can truly be raised in an equal sense with both the character traits of a man and women. I won...
Post a Comment
Read more

Sexual Intimacy and Infidelity

I really enjoyed the readings by Dr. Sean Brotherson when he explained that Sexual Intimacy is something sacred, but it is also something we should seek to learn about. He quotes, “Luckily, I accepted as true the scriptural admonition that we ought to “seek learning” on matters of ignorance “out of the best books” and that we ought to “teach one another words of wisdom” (see Doctrine and Covenants 88:118). Even about sexual intimacy? Let me answer that question affirmatively. Of course. God would not be very kind, in my opinion, if He were to create the means and the affection for married couples to express love to each other sexually, yet deny us the opportunity to gain the learning and wisdom we need to find fulfillment and mutual joy in this critical aspect of married life. So, I started reading books and asking questions.” It is so important for us to understand it so that we have the ability to continue to keep it a sacred and private matter.  I also found i...
Post a Comment
Read more