Forgive, and Ye Shall Be Forgiven
“To err is human,” wrote Alexender Pope; “to forgive divine.”1
We all make mistakes. It is part of our mortal existence, and perhaps that is why there is in each of us a need to be forgiving. We need forgiveness, not only from the Maste, but from each other.
Imagine what life would be like if there were no forgiveness? As one philosopher suggests, “The vengeance of long ago would become the torment of today…”2 But fortunately it is not that way. The Lord is willing to forgive. Therefore, should we not be willing to forgive others – even seventy times seven? Remember the words of the Savior, “Forgive, and ye shall be forgiven;…”3
One of the greatest difficulties is to forgive those close to us. It has been said that “It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend.”4 But the Lord has said that such an oversight can be a greater sin than the one committed against us: “Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin.”5
Another facet of forgiveness – which involves a degree of inner strength and security – is the ability to not be offended or take offense. There are far too many who have left their church, their job, their families; who have lost their friends or committed crimes simply because they have taken offense and were unwilling to forgive.
Forgiveness of others is not something of minor consequence. There can be not greater form of Christianity or humanity. For as we were promised in the Sermon on the Mount: “…Blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended…”6
1Alexander Pope, Essays on Criticism, Pt. ii
2Baltasar Gracian, The Art of Worldly Wisdom
3New Testament, Luke 6:37
4William Blake, “What God Is”: Jerusalem
5Doctrine & Covenants 64:9
6New Testament, Matthew 11:6
October 01, 1972
Broadcast Number 2,245