"A few weeks ago, I was deeply offended by someone I love
dearly. I felt positive that this
person’s actions were wrong and that I was right. I wanted so much for this person to
acknowledge the hurt he/she had caused and to apologize. I couldn’t think about anything else except
getting this person to recognize the error of his/her ways. In an attempt to justify my angry feelings, I
turned to the scriptures for guidance.
Instead of finding validation for my bitterness, I was gently led by the
Lord to the following counsel in the 64th section of the Doctrine and Covenants*:
8 My disciples, in days of old,
sought occasion
against one another and forgave not one another in their hearts; and for this evil they were
afflicted
and sorely chastened.
9 Wherefore, I say unto you, that
ye ought to forgive
one another; for he that forgiveth not
his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there
remaineth in him the greater sin.
11 And ye ought to say in your
hearts—let God judge
between me and thee, and reward thee
according to thy deeds.
"I was chastened. I
prayed for help to let go of these resentful feelings, and almost instantly, I
felt complete peace, whereas holding onto my grudge caused me to feel
“afflicted,” as the scripture states.
Even though forgiveness is not the world’s philosophy and is indeed our
natural and usually first response to being offended or hurt, it is the only
way to find true happiness.
"I was also struck by the words in verse 8, where the Lord
states that his disciples had not forgiven each other “in their hearts.” So often, I have said, “Oh, that’s okay,”
when someone has apologized yet then held on to secret resentments in my
heart. Anger and frustration are
destructive and halt our progression, while forgiveness is healing and
beautiful and allows us to move forward in our relationships and our own
personal growth."
*The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of divine
revelations . . . given of God through his chosen prophets for the restoration
of his holy work . . . in these days” (Explanatory Introduction, Doctrine and
Covenants).
Love it, Jules! So true. Thanks for posting....and Eric, Hello! I hope you're doing great!
ReplyDeleteWow, that's so true. Where did you get the story Eric? I love the pictures!
ReplyDeleteMy sister wrote it. I'm having a few people write up their own experiences and I'm posting them. And I found the pictures on Pinterest. :)
ReplyDeleteI love Julie tremendously. To hear that she was hurt this deeply, hurt me as well. I am moved by her choices and decisions in handling this situation. Thank you for sharing her words. How beautiful.
ReplyDeleteBekah~