AboutForgiveness
One of the most challenging yet important commandments we have been given is the order to forgive others. One of the main reasons why Jesus Christ led such an uplifted and joyous life is because of his ability to forgive.
Jesus Christ taught forgiveness unto His people. During His earthly ministry, he told the parables of the prodigal son. In this parable, a father has two sons, one rebellious and one who always strives to be good. After breaking commandments and making mistakes, the rebellious younger son returns home and repents for all of his wrongdoings. His father celebrates the fact that he is home and will sin no more. The righteous son becomes jealous since he never did anything wrong. The father teaches his righteous son to forgive the rebellious son since the righteous son repented. Mormons believe that we should take this message and apply it to their own lives.
Jesus Christ taught forgiveness through His example. In the New Testament, we read about the woman who committed adultery and her community wants to stone her to death. Jesus stops the community and teaches them of the importance of forgiveness. Jesus tells the woman to “repent and sin no more.” To be repentant is to be compassionate.
Throughout Jesus’ lifetime there were many who sought to destroy Him and His work. He was hated by many. It would have been easy to hold grudges or hate these people. Instead of hating, he always forgave Him and strived to serve these people. The theme of repentance is taught numerous times in the Book of Mormon.
Another example of Christ’s forgiving attitude is when He atoned for the sins of the world. He asked for those who crucified Him to be forgiven for “they know not what they do.” That is the ultimate act of forgiveness. To be able to bless those who mock, hate, and torture you is to show true forgiveness. If Jesus Christ can forgive the men who crucified Him, I can surely forgive anyone who turns against me in my lifetime.
Forgiving someone who has wronged us is a humbling experience. Mormons believe that when we forgive, we are acknowledging that it is God’s role to judge man and not our own. When we forgive, we accept that people are not perfect and make mistakes. Being able to forgive someone requires faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father.
We, as imperfect mortals, are bound to make mistakes here on earth. Heavenly Father knew that when he sent us to earth. Because we will make mistakes, God gave us the atonement of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ made the ultimate sacrifice for our sins so we might be able to be forgiven for all of our wrongdoings. Because he paid the price for sin, we can live with Heavenly Father again if we repent for what we did wrong.
Jesus Christ taught forgiveness through His example and actions. When Jesus Christ atoned for the sins of the world, he asked for those who crucified Him to be forgiven for “they know not what they do.” That is the ultimate act of forgiveness. To be able to bless those who mock, hate, and torture you is to show true forgiveness. Jesus’ example gives me the strength to forgive those in my life who have mistreated me. It is because he was such an understanding and forgiving person, that he lived such a fulfilling life.