The Peace and Healing of Forgiveness

The Parable of the Snake Bite

Two men laboring diligently in a field were bitten by a poisonous snake. In response, one man picked up a shovel, determined to find and seek revenge on the offending creature, which had disappeared into the tall grass. While the man searched, the venom worked deeper into his system, causing immense pain and threatening his life.

The other man, however, disregarded the snake and sought medical help to counteract the deadly venom. Because this man focused his efforts on a cure rather than seeking revenge on the snake, the venom was counteracted, the snake bite disappeared, and he was healed.

The Lord Asks Us to Forgive

Just like venom, the anger and hurt we harbor when we have been wronged by another threatens our personal peace and healing. While our natural tendency is to withhold forgiveness as an act of revenge, the Lord provides a different way. He has taught: “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. I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men” (D&C 64:9–10).

To our limited thinking, it might appear an unfair request. But the Lord requires our forgiveness not for the sake of those who have wronged us, but for our own well-being. Each individual will stand accountable before God. But the Savior reminds us that “judgment is mine, saith the Lord, and vengeance is mine also, and I will repay” (Mormon 8:20). Of us it is required to forgive so that we may feel the peace and healing of forgiveness. One man shares his story of healing in “Forgiveness: My Burden Was Made Light.”

The Lord Will Forgive Us

Just like the peace and healing promised as we forgive others, we can and will find peace and healing for our souls when we repent of our wrongdoings and seek the forgiveness of the Master Healer. Perhaps the sweetest promise ever uttered is the one Jesus offers us about His forgiveness: “Yea, and as often as my people repent will I forgive them their trespasses against me” (Mosiah 26:30). As we come to Jesus Christ in humility, we can draw on the power of His Atonement to heal us. Watch as one man testifies that the Savior wants to forgive.

Forgiveness is among our greatest blessings. When we offer it, it heals us. When we seek it, we find peace. You can learn more about the healing power of forgiveness through the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Learning to Love God Like Jesus Did

The First Commandment

Jesus Christ was our perfect example, especially in the way He loved His Father. Learning to love our Heavenly Father is important enough to our salvation that Christ declared it the first and greatest commandment.

Our Savior understood that everything He did in life represented His Father. He was, and still is, perfectly unified with God in the purpose of loving and saving souls.

If it’s true that the Lord looketh on the heart, it will always be well with us when He finds love there (see1 Samuel 16:7). John explained that “God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him” (1 John 4:16). The relationship between Heavenly Father and His Son exemplifies this unified love described by John. It is the love and unity they hope we will aspire to obtain and share with Them throughout our lives.

Believe That God Loves You

Loving God is easier when we’re confident of His love for us. This is difficult if we’re not in the habit of communicating with Him. Those who are committed to the sacred practice of praying and then watching for His goodness to be manifest in their lives can learn to feel God’s love for themselves.

God’s Love Is Found in the Scriptures

Studying the scriptures is a great way to discover how much God loves His children. The fact that scriptures exist are evidence of that love. By reading the word of God daily, you can experience a continual reminder that He knows and loves His children personally.
The scriptures contain the Savior’s example and include His counsel to follow Him. By honing in on His faith in action we can learn how to more fully express our love for our Heavenly Father and we can avoid missing the loving, reassuring messages He sends to us daily.

Invite Goodness into Your Life

Romans 8:28 gives us one of the many reasons we should try to love God with all our hearts. It explains that “all things work together for good to them that love God.” No doubt each of us would appreciate having more things work together for good in our lives.

Christ’s Relationship with God

If God feels like a stranger, there are many ways to get closer to Him. In 1976, Elder William R. Bradfordgave a talk about following Christ’s patterns. He said: “What about your love for the Father? Christ loved the Father. He prayed to him. He praised him. He represents him in all he does. He serves him and delights to do his work. He obeys perfectly his every instruction. If we would be like Christ, we too must do these things, for hasn’t he said, ‘For that which ye have seen me do even that shall ye do’? (3 Nephi 27:21).”

We will all fall short of Christ’s perfect example, but He encouraged us to keep trying with the words “endure unto the end” (Matthew 24:13). When we make a conscious effort to show God that we love Him, we can rest assured that He will consistently bless us in remarkable ways.

Jesus replied" "Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again." John 3:3

Jesus replied"
"Very truly I tell you,
no one can see the
kingdom of God
unless they are
born again."
John 3:3

Ways to Put Christ First in Your Life

What does it mean to put Christ first?

We are encouraged to live Christ-centered lives, but what exactly does that mean?
Putting Christ first in our lives means that we strive every day to be more like Him in our thoughts and actions. It means that we sacrifice our time to do things that He asks. When we center our lives on Christ, we make following Him and His teaching our top priorities.
Life gets hectic and busy, and we all have many demands on our time and lots of things that require our attention and thought. It can be easy to get distracted by everyday things and lose our focus on Christ.

What can we do to center our lives on Christ?

In Alma 37:6 it says, “By small and simple things are great things brought to pass.” There are many small and simple things we can do to live a more Christ-centered life. These are a few ideas that can help create habits to bring us closer to Christ.

Blessings and gratitude journal

One small way to focus more on Christ is to keep a journal of blessings and gratitude. Taking a moment at the end of each day to write at least three blessings or things to be grateful for from the day can help us recognize God’s hand in our lives. The more we notice our blessings, the more gratitude we will feel, which will help us love God more and make us more like Christ.

Look at others through Christ’s eyes

There is a lot of controversy in our world, and along with it comes disagreement and negative feelings. At times it can be difficult to see people we dislike or disagree with as precious children of God. Jesus Christ loves us all, and a small way that we can become more like Him is to try to always see others as He does. It is a small change, but it requires great conscious effort. Any time you make eye contact with another person, think, “They are a child of God.” As you make that effort, in time it will become a habit, and seeing others with love, despite controversy, helps us to be more Christ-centered.

This is also an important principle to apply to family, friends, and other people we are close to. Making greater efforts to show our love to them and taking steps back to try and better understand their emotions or struggles helps us to be closer to and more like the Savior.
Take note of when you feel close to the Savior

We are all different, and as such, we all feel close to the Savior in different ways and have different things that help us be more like Him. Make a conscious effort to notice times, places, and actions where you are feeling closer to the Savior. Write them down, if it helps. When you are feeling down or far from God, or you just want to do more good, referring back to your list and doing the things that help you will bring you closer to Christ and help you be more like Him.

God gave us moral agency so we could make choices and take action in our lives. The only way we can center our lives on Christ is if we choose to take small actions to come closer to Him! He is always waiting and encouraging us. We just need to take the first steps.

GOD IS LIGHT IN HIM THERE IS NO DARKNESS AT ALL

GOD IS LIGHT

IN HIM THERE IS NO DARKNESS AT ALL

What Happened in Gethsemane?

Jesus, Peter, James, and John retire to the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus submits to the Father's will and begins to suffer for the sins and afflictions of mankind. He is then betrayed and arrested.
Matthew 26: 36-57

36 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane , and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder.

37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.

38 Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me.

39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed , saying, O my Father , if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will , but as thou wilt.

40 And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep , and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour?

41 Watch and pray , that ye enter not into temptation : the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.

42 He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done.

43 And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy.

44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

45 Then cometh he to his disciples, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

46 Rise, let us be going: behold, he is at hand that doth betray me.

47 And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.

48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast.

49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.

50 And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.

51 And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear.

52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.

53 Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?

54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?

55 In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me.

56 But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

57 And they that had laid hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.

What Happened at the Last Supper?

An Evening of Emotions

The Savior’s last meal proceeded under conditions of intense emotion, namely sadness, love, and likely a great deal of confusion on the part of the Apostles. Gleaning what we can from the scriptures, we discover that the Savior was fully aware of all that awaited Him—His betrayal, His suffering in Gethsemane, His capture, His Crucifixion, and later His Resurrection. The Savior did what He could to prepare His Apostles for what was to come. The loving, comforting words He spoke to His Apostles that night still apply in powerful ways to us today.

Preparation

When the time came for the feast of the Passover, the disciples inquired of the Savior where and how they should prepare. He instructed Peter and John to go into the city of Jerusalem. He described a man they would find there and instructed them on what they should say to him. They went obediently, found the man, and proceeded to prepare for the feast in the upper guest room of the man’s home. In the evening the Savior joined them with the other disciples.

This Do in Remembrance of Me

A custom of this traditional feast was a blessing over a communal cup of wine. Over the course of the evening, the Savior gave thanks over the bread and wine of the meal and distributed it to his disciples. In the 33rd chapter of James E. Talmage’s book Jesus the Christ, it declares that “under strain of profound emotion ‘he said unto them, with desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer.’” Luke’s account of the evening says: “And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me. Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you” (Luke 22:19–20).

One can only imagine the array of feelings the Savior experienced as He felt the weight of what was to come and the effect it would have on His disciples. Doubtless, His sincere hope was that they would remember Him and all that He had taught them.

Betrayal

Adding to the range of emotions was Christ’s knowledge that one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot—present at this last supper—had already contracted with the Sanhedrin to betray Him for 30 pieces of silver. The Lord called attention to the betrayal, saying, “One of you which eateth with me shall betray me” (Mark 14:18). Alarmed and saddened by this announcement, each of the disciples showed great humility when instead of pointing fingers at one another, they asked, “Is it I?” Perhaps hoping to go unnoticed as the betrayer, Judas also asked, “Is it I?” The Lord confirmed by answering, “Thou hast said.” In John’s account of the Last Supper he tells us that Jesus—speaking of His forthcoming betrayal— requested of Judas, “That thou doest, do quickly,” after which Judas “went immediately out,” leaving the company, and setting the ultimate betrayal into motion (John 13:27, 30).

Because of John’s account, we know that the Savior washed the feet of His disciples in that upper room, and we also know of the sweet, comforting counsel He gave His disciples, much of which still applies to us today, including His commandment that we love one another.

What Happened in Gethsemane?

After the Last Supper with His Apostles, the Savior made His way to the Garden of Gethsemane—a place He frequented to pray—with his 11 remaining Apostles. The 12th, Judas Iscariot, had already left to carry out his plans of betrayal, which would come to fruition before the night was spent.
The Savior clearly understood His mission and what He had to do to fulfill it. He needed a quiet place to commune with His Father. Leaving eight of the Apostles a way off, He requested that Peter, James, and John accompany Him further into the garden, which they did. Jesus became heavy and overwhelmed by sadness and expressed that to the three. He asked them to watch with Him while He prayed to the Father. Though they tried, sleep overcame them. The Savior interrupted His praying twice to wake His three slumbering disciples and again requested that they watch with Him, exclaiming, “What, could ye not watch with me one hour?” He then patiently acknowledged their efforts by saying, “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:40–41).

The Hour Is at Hand

When He approached them for the third time, He essentially told them it was too late, saying, “Sleep on now, and take your rest: behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners” (Matthew 26:45). Already, the torches of the company, brought by the traitorous Apostle, Judas Iscariot, were visible in the distance. In a matter of moments He would be arrested and then meet His fate of crucifixion on the cross.
The physical events and circumstances that took place in the Garden of Gethsemane are simpler to understand than what happened spiritually. What was happening as the Savior began to sweat “great drops of blood”?

The Greatest Act of Love

Mormons believe that it was during these sacred hours in Gethsemane that the Savior began to atone for the sins of all mankind, from the beginning of time until the present. In that quiet garden He willingly took upon Himself all of the pain and suffering the world has ever known. This was the greatest act of love ever performed—a voluntary act that continues to provide hope for each of us. Because of His willing sacrifice, you and I can experience peace, joy, and wholeness. This song describes the love that is still extended to us today through the sacrifice He made that fateful night over two thousand years ago.

JOHN 3:16 FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, THAT WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM, SHOULD NOT PERISH BUT......... HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE

JOHN 3:16

FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD,

THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON,

THAT WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM,

SHOULD NOT PERISH BUT.........

HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE

Life-Changing Lessons from the Creation Story

When we read the Creation story in Genesis, we can sometimes get caught up in the logistics of God’s power or abilities, but there are incredible and valuable doctrines found in the first few chapters of the Old Testament. Here are three of the most important principles we can learn from the Creation story.

The Creation, along with the magnitude and beauty of the earth, testify of a Creator and a higher power

Have you ever looked up at the night sky and been awed by its billions of stars? Or studied the intricate details of a leaf or a flower? Or marveled at the miracle of a tiny newborn? These beautiful and complex creations didn’t come about by chance. They are the creations of God, your Heavenly Father. They can remind you of His existence and of His love for His children.
In Psalms 19:1, it reads, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.”

An ancient prophet declared: “All things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth... and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator” (Book of Mormon, Alma 30:44).

We have a right and responsibility to take care of the earth and where we live
Genesis 1:26 says, “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.”

During the Creation, Heavenly Father gave mankind dominion over the animals and the earth -- meaning we as a society have the responsibility to care for and preserve the natural beauty and resources of our planet.

Everything God did and does today is out of love for us, His children
M. Russell Ballard has said, “When we look to see the evidence of creation all around us, from a grain of sand to the majestic planets, we begin to realize that we are the greatest of all God’s creations; we are created in his image."

Genesis 1:29 says, “And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.”

We are God’s greatest creation. The other pieces of the Creation story -- the heavens, the earth, the plants and animals -- were made for us, His children.

Jesus Is Resurrected

Peter and John find the empty tomb. Jesus, now resurrected, appears to Mary

John 20: 3-18

3 Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre.
4 So they ran both together: and the other disciple did outrun Peter, and came first to the sepulchre.
5 And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying; yet went he not in.
6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie,

7 And the napkin , that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.

8 Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed.
9 For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead .
10 Then the disciples went away again unto their own home.
11 ¶But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,
12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.
14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.
15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master .
17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father : but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father , and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.

I WILL LOVE THEE, O LORD, MY STRENGTH. 6. IN MY DISTRESS I CALLED UPON THE LORD, AND CRIED UNTO MY GOD: HE HEARD MY VOICE OUT OF HIS TEMPLE, AND MY CRY CAME BEFORE HIM, EVEN INTO HIS EARS. PSALM 18

I WILL LOVE THEE, O LORD, MY STRENGTH.

6. IN MY DISTRESS I CALLED UPON THE LORD, AND CRIED UNTO MY GOD: HE HEARD

MY VOICE OUT OF HIS TEMPLE, AND MY CRY CAME BEFORE HIM, EVEN INTO HIS
EARS.
PSALM 18

"Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." JOHN 11:25-26 (NIV)

"Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die."

JOHN 11:25-26 (NIV)

What Happens after We Die?

For most people, death is a mysterious and unsettling subject.

Many people feel this way because they don’t know what happens after they die.

Do they cease to exist?

Do they continue on in another state?

If so, what can they expect this next existence to be like?

Just like everyone else, someday your physical body will die. But this death of your physical body is not the end. Your spirit continues to live and goes to a spirit world where you continue to learn and progress. Here, you may be with loved ones who have passed on.

Eventually, your spirit and your body will be reunited, never to be separated again. This is called “resurrection,” and it was made possible by the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ (see 1 Corinthians 15:20-22).

So, death is not the end. Death is really a beginning, another step forward in Heavenly Father’s plan for His children.

When you lose a friend or loved one, the pain from that loss is very real. But there’s comfort in knowing you can see him or her again. And because of Christ’s death, you can be reassured that your spirit and body will be resurrected, never to be separated again.

An Angel Foretells Christ's Birth to Mary

The angel Gabriel, sent from the presence of God, announces to the young Mary her future role as the mother of the child Jesus. Luke 1: 26-38 26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, 27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women . 29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus . 32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David : 33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end . 34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. 36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing shall be impossible . 38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of Little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” Matthew 14:31

PEOPLE WILL HURT YOU, GOD WILL HEAL YOU. PEOPLE WILL HUMILIATE YOU, GOD WILL MAGNIFY YOU. PEOPLE WILL JUDGE YOU, GOD WILL JUSTIFY YOU. HAVE FAITH. “LIKE” IF YOU HAVE FAITH

Learning to Forgive from Jesus: Part 3

The Lord wants us to understand His willingness to forgive and to always forgive ourselves and each other. See this image about forgiveness.

Jesus Heals a Possessed Man

Jesus demonstrates His divine power by healing a possessed man.

Luke 4: 33-37

33 And in the synagogue there was a man, which had a spirit of an unclean devil, and cried out with a loud voice, 

34 Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God. 

35 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the midst, he came out of him, and hurt him not. 

36 And they were all amazed, and spake among themselves, saying, What a word is this! for with authority and power he commanded the unclean spirits, and they come out. 

37 And the fame of him went out into every place of the country round about.

"I am Jesus, whom you are PERSECUTING." Acts 9:5