Day 17

At devotional today, the speaker talked about forgiveness.  I am so grateful for forgiveness, especially that which comes through the atonement of Jesus Christ.  Were it not for Christ's atonement, we would be subjected to satisfy the demands of justice on our own.  Knowing that I'm not perfect, there is no way that I myself could take upon me all the eternal consequences of the things that I have done, but thankfully, through the atonement of Jesus Christ, all can be saved as long as we repent of our sins and wrongdoings.

In my scripture reading today, I had a little extra time (after finishing the required chapters for Book of Mormon class) so I decided to turn to a random page.  The chapter that I turned to was Mosiah 26.  Verse 30 and 31 read, "Yea, and as often as my people repent will I forgive them their trespasses against me.  And ye shall also forgive one another your trespasses for verily I say unto you, he that forgiveth not his neighbor's trespasses when he says that he repents, the same hath brought himself under condemnation."

If someone as great and powerful as the Lord can forgive people, I should most definitely be able to forgive others myself.  Forgiveness isn't easy, especially when someone may have hurt you or done wrong, but it is essential to our eternal salvation.  Also, when you think about it, if you have done something wrong, wouldn't you want the person(s) affected to forgive you?  I know I would, which makes me feel all the more obligated to forgive others myself.  It's like the golden rule that says to treat others as you would like to be treated.  

I am so grateful for the example of the Savior, who took upon himself all our sins, and for a merciful Heavenly Father who forgives us for all that we have done wrong.  I am also grateful for the example of Christ who has taught me to be more forgiving and loving towards everyone around me, regardless of circumstance or status.

His arms are always reaching out to us!  It's up to us to turn to him.