Forgiveness Heals Your Wounds

"Forgiveness . . . can be hard to understand, even more difficult to give. Begin by withholding judgment. . . . Leave the handling of aggressors to others. As you experience an easing of your own pain, full forgiveness will come more easily. 

"You cannot erase what has been done, but you can forgive. Forgiveness heals terrible, tragic wounds, for it allows the love of God to purge your heart and mind of the poison of hate. It cleanses your consciousness of the desire for revenge. It makes place for the purifying, healing, restoring love of the Lord.

"The Master counseled, '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'. 

"Bitterness and hatred are harmful. They produce much that is destructive. They postpone the relief and healing you yearn for. Through rationalization and self-pity, they can transform a victim into an abuser. Let God be the judge - you cannot do it as well as he can."

Richard G. Scott, "Healing the Tragic Scars of Abuse," Ensign, May 1992, 32-33.

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