The lesson for Sunday, July 24th was from Elder Kevin R. Duncan's conference address, The Healing Ointment of Forgiveness. Our teacher did a wonderful job teaching us this important principle from Elder Duncan's talk. The talk starts out this way: "All that is of God ecompasses love, light, and truth. Yet as human beings we live in a fallen world, sometimes full of darkness and confusion. It comes as no surprise that mistakes will be made, injustices will occur, and sins will be committed. As a result, there is not a soul alive who will not, at one time or another, be the victim to someone else's carless actions, hurtful conduct, or even sinful behavior. That is one thing we all have in common." This is all too true in the world we live in and the relationships we have with others. However, God is so wise that he has prepared a way for us to escape the misdeeds we receive and put onto others. That miracle is forgiveness. Elder Duncan says,"Even though we may be a victim once, we need not be a victim twice by carrying the burden of hate, bitterness, pain, resentment, or even revenge. We can forgive, and we can be free!"
It can be so hard to forgive others. We may sometimes think that the other person needs to be punished for their wrong. 'Where is the justice?' we ask. We need not worry about that part, mercy cannot rob justice (Alma 42:25). Our teacher shared with us a quote by Buddah: "Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die." God tells us, "Leave judgment alone with me, for it is mine and I will repay, [But let] peace be with you" (D&C 82:23). That peace can only be found by truly forgiving others. Elder Duncan teaches us,"One key to forgiving others is to try to see them as God sees them...This insight may even lead to an overwhelming love for that person." God knows the potential for good of all of His children
Our teacher reminded us of our Savior, in the last moments of His life, when he asked the Father to "forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). After all that had been injustly done to him, Christ had a greater understanding and peace about those who had done wrong to him. Elder Duncan says, "Just as we are all victims to the misdeeds of others at one time or another, we are also sometimes the offender. We all fall short and have need of grace, mercy, and forgiveness. . . . Forgiveness is the very reason God sent His Son, so let us rejoice in His offering to heal us all. The Savior's atonement is not just for those who need to repent; it is also for those who need to forgive."
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