Forgiving Others

Forgiving Others: Misconceptions and Tips

By Elizabeth Lloyd Lund

April 2018 Ensign

Forgiveness means pardoning an offense. To forgive, we must first acknowledge that what happened was wrong and caused pain. We pardon the fault because we too are imperfect. We turn the judgment over to God and allow Him to relieve the burden.

Forgiveness and trust are two different things. We can forgive without developing a trusting relationship. If someone continually hurts us, God commands us to forgive, but we are also responsible to set boundaries to keep ourselves safe.

“The Savior asks us to forsake and combat evil in all its forms, and although we must forgive a neighbor who injures us, we should still work constructively to prevent that injury from being repeated.”4—Elder David E. Sorensen

The atoning power of the Savior is available to each of us. As we access that power, we become more empathetic toward others and understanding of each other’s faults.

Once you have forgiven and you have accepted peace into your life, thoughts of the hurt may occasionally return. When this happens, don’t let Satan convince you that you haven’t forgiven. Recognize that you have forgiven, say it aloud to yourself, and let the memory go.

“The Savior’s Atonement is not just for those who need to repent; it is also for those who need to forgive. If you are having trouble forgiving another person or even yourself, ask God to help you. Forgiveness is a glorious, healing principle.”7—Elder Kevin R. Duncan