Forgiveness

1. “If we can find forgiveness in our hearts for those who have caused us hurt and injury, we will rise to a higher level of self-esteem and well-being.” (President Faust, The Healing Power of Forgiveness, 2007 April Conference)
2. President Spencer W. Kimball taught: “The essence of the miracle of forgiveness is that it brings peace to the previously anxious, restless, frustrated, perhaps tormented soul. … God will wipe away … the tears of anguish, and remorse, … and fear, and guilt”’ (President Uchtdorf, Point of Safe Return, 2007 April Conference)
3. “Somehow forgiveness, with love and tolerance, accomplishes miracles that can happen in no other way.” (President Hinckley, Forgiveness, 2005 October Conference)
4. “Forgiveness means that problems of the past no longer dictate our destinies, and we can focus on the future with God’s love in our hearts.” (Elder Sorensen, Forgiveness Will Change Bitterness to Love, 2003 April Conference)
5. “Open your heart to the Lord and ask Him to help you. You will earn the blessing of forgiveness, peace, and the knowledge you have been purified and made whole.” (Elder Scott, Finding Forgiveness, 1995 April Conference)
6. “That great morning of forgiveness may not come at once. Do not give up if at first you fail.” (President Packer, The Brilliant Morning of Forgiveness, 1995 October Conference)
7. “If we are going to teach our children the principle of forgiveness, we need to begin with our own lives. We must set our children a good example.” (Elder Burton, To Forgive Is Divine, 1983 April Conference)
8. “The Savior will help you obtain forgiveness as you sincerely follow all of the steps to repentance. He is the Redeemer. He loves you. He wants you to have peace and joy in your life. Now I testify that He lives. He will help you.” (Elder Scott, The Path to Peace and Joy, 2000 October Conference)
9. “The Savior has made it clear that to receive forgiveness you must forgive others their offenses against you.” (Elder Scott, Peace of Conscience and Peace of Mind, 2004 October Conference)
10. “He offered forgiveness and sought forgiveness and went his way in tears, a free man for the first time in years. He left a former adversary also in tears, shaken and repentant.” (Elder Hanks, Forgiveness: The Ultimate Form of Love, 1973 October Conference)

Why it matters:

Forgiveness has been one of the most important principles in my life in the past two months. I never felt either a need for serious forgiveness, or even like there was someone I needed to forgive in my life. But the more I experience in life the more I learn that life is hard, but it is easier when I forgive, because that is what I want the Lord to do for me. It is the merciful who obtain mercy, and it is through forgiveness that I will be able to release myself of this heavy burden.