Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 2:7-8

Today's Favorite Verse: 2 Corinthians 2:7-8

"So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.

Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him."

This made me reflect on the beauty of forgiveness. I had a bad situation where I was abused, lied to, and stolen from. Each of these individuals I forgave in my heart and turned the situation over to the Lord as he saw fit. I stayed away and did not cause grief or contention. Three of these individuals within the year have asked my forgiveness. It was truly such a wonderful thing, because I had already forgiven them. It was a matter so quick to put to rest, to embrace them and tell them that I forgave and loved them. One having fallen on hard times is now living in the tiny cottage behind my house. Another stops in from time to time. The last I went out to lunch with today because I could tell they were feeling overwhelmed and needed comfort. We had a lovely time chatting with each other. Friends once lost are now found.

“When we take the position of withholding forgiveness from our fellow men, we are attempting to block his progress towards salvation. This position is … not Christlike. We are endeavoring to impede the progress of a living soul and deny him the forgiving blessings of the atonement. This philosophy is saturated with impure motives that are designed to destroy the soul” (Sacred Truths of the Doctrine and Covenants, 2 vols. [1993], 1:314; see also D&C 64:9–11)

Day 3239

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 48:35, 42

Today's Favorite Verse: Jeremiah 48:35, 42

"Moreover I will cause to cease in Moab, saith the LORD, him that offereth in the high places, and him that burneth incense to his gods.

And Moab shall be destroyed from being a people, because he hath magnified himself against the LORD."

The people of Moab were destroyed for their practice of idolatry in holy places. There maybe people that live there today but they are not the people once called the people of Moab. It made me ponder on how serious a matter it is to abuse the temple and holy places with false doctrines and practices. I would not want to stand in their shoes.

Day 2952

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 109:4-5

Today's Favorite Verse: Psalms 109:4-5

"For my love they are my adversaries: but I give myself unto prayer.

And they have rewarded me evil for good, and hatred for my love. "

The JST has: "And, nothwithstanding my love, they are my adversaries, yet I will continue in prayer for them."

I have been and am now going through this. It is better to pray for those that you have loved, and have turned against you, then to wish them ill. Otherwise, it poisons your soul and will take away your peace. It is far better to forgiven and leave them in the hands of the Lord. Then wisdom is given you to protect yourself and retain His peace.

I saw today that the Oct 2022 General Conference talks are on the website and in the Gospel Library app. Sister Kristin M. Yee's talk "Beauty for Ashes: The Healing Path of Forgiveness", is one of those I have marked to read and did just now. She quoted President Nelson in her talk. For me, the ability to forgive goes hand in hand with being able to pray for those that abuse you.

"President Russell M. Nelson has taught that the Savior offers us the ability to forgive:

“Through His infinite Atonement, you can forgive those who have hurt you and who may never accept responsibility for their cruelty to you.

“It is usually easy to forgive one who sincerely and humbly seeks your forgiveness. But the Savior will grant you the ability to forgive anyone who has mistreated you in any way. Then their hurtful acts can no longer canker your soul.”

(Russell M. Nelson, “Four Gifts That Jesus Christ Offers to You” (First Presidency’s Christmas devotional, Dec. 7, 2018)

Day 2746