Forgiveness has been present in my mind this week. In fact, it was the topic of my talk in church on Sunday. I amaze myself as I think back to times in my life where I have been wronged and see how I let those things negatively affect me. Sometimes it's almost as if I sought the darkeness that comes from holding onto painful memories. Several months ago I read an article by A. Dean Byrd called, "Anticipating the Need to Forgive".
He said,
"We will be on the receiving end of hurtful remarks or actions countless times throughout our lives. Deciding ahead of time to forgive those who intentionally or unintentionally hurt us empowers us to move foward without bitterness or pain."
How in the world could it be possible to forgive someone BEFORE they wrong us?
First, by realizing that I am a daughter of God.
"...as we develop a relationship with our Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ, we see ourselves and others as He does. When we see through the Savior’s eyes, it becomes easier to forgive others and ourselves."
How could I possibly deny the sacred gift of forgiveness to another of God's precious children?
Second, I repent.
"We cannot sink lower than the arms of the Atonement can reach,
if we are willing to repent. The blessings that come to us when we allow the Atonement to enter our lives are infinite."
As I recognize my weaknesses and seek perfection in Christ, His Spirit will be play a greater role in my life, allowing me the patience and love required to forgive before it ever happens.
Third, I choose how to respond.
"Challenges don’t determine who we are; rather, our responses to those challenges determine who we become."
Rather than reacting with a thoughtless word of accusation or revenge, when I feel that I have been wronged I can immediately turn to the Lord and seek healing from His grace.
He suffered for each pain, sorrow, and unfairness, He can certainly heal any wound.
"As I have thought about the life of Christ, I think He practices anticipatory forgiveness in the purest form. Because of his unique role in the plan of happiness, He has already anticipated my faults and frailties. He has the ability to see me as a whole person and judge me based upon my heart. When He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, it was at that time that anticipatory forgiveness was granted to me and to all men.”
"Perhaps we, anticipate the opportunities to forgive ... and ask daily, 'Whom may I forgive today?'"
Hi sister Jensen,
ReplyDeleteQuestion, I'm giving this lesson to the High-priest this next Sunday. My wife's brother was brutally murdered 4 years ago by a a girl he dated and converted to the church. the murder is to unspeakable to describe here. Bottom line the trail starts in nov in Arizona, How would one forgive this in advance or at all? what would you recommend in her process.
Thank You
CTRMAN