Luke 6:35-37
“35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.”
Recently, I read the account of Chris Williams and the drunk driver who killed his wife and two children. At the moment when he realized they were gone and wished to die himself, a voice filled his mind and powerfully said, “Let it go!” Then began a feeling beyond his own of peace, healing, and understanding of what those words meant. And in the days and years ahead, that thought has returned to continue to give him those feelings of peace.
Each of us likely has a good reason to not forgive someone-a horrible act, a terrible phrase, a heartless response. And yet, as we let go, we understand what the Savior is saying. He has already suffered the anguish, the hurt, the sorrow for us in Gethsemane. When we hold onto those negative feelings, we tie His Hands, and make it less possible for us to feel and use the Atonement of peace, love, and joy.
Just for today, forgive someone who has wronged you. Love someone you have turned away from. Be kind to someone who is unkind to you. Forgiveness is the key, and He is the one who provided it for us. We only need to use it.
How can you be more forgiving today?
Best,
Connie
To see Dec 1-3, click on Day 1: Joy; Day 2: He Lifted Burdens; Day 3: He Prepared Spiritually For The Day.
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Merry Christmas!