Forgive – October 28, 2001
For many, the most difficult commandment of God is that we love our enemies. Hating our enemies comes naturally to us. When we’ve been hurt or when our families have been attacked, it’s easy to respond with hatred and fear—often expressed in a desire for retribution and revenge. But the words of Jesus are clear: “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you and persecute you.”1
A young widow learned the value of this divine counsel. Her husband died unexpectedly, leaving her with five small children to raise. She found employment and decided to accept her mother’s offer to move in with her. She asked a man, a close friend and neighbor, to sell her home. Some weeks later, she learned that the man she’d trusted had defrauded her, sold her home, and kept the proceeds for himself. She was furious—all the more so when she found she had no legal recourse.
For weeks she plotted revenge. Her every waking moment was consumed with thoughts of how badly she’d been betrayed and how reprehensible his actions had been. Thoughts of her wrong and the ways she could exact vengeance dominated her sleep. Her work began to suffer. Her bitterness began to show in the way she treated her children. Then one day she realized that the Savior’s counsel needed to apply to her life. It was difficult and required many hours of earnest prayer, but she was finally able to forgive—and even love—her enemy. And only then did a feeling of peace enter her home.
When we’re attacked, when we’re hurt or damaged, it’s easy hate, and difficult to love our enemies. Only through forgiveness and love can we attain peace in our souls. Only then can God’s comfort truly make us free.
Program #3767
1. 3 Nephi 12:44.