Joy of Forgiveness

Good Relationships Require Forgiveness

Forgiveness includes a process of letting go of burdens that keep us from experiencing the Savior’s peace. President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “A spirit of forgiveness and an attitude of love and compassion toward those who may have wronged us is of the very essence of the gospel of Jesus Christ” (“Of You It Is Required to Forgive,” Ensign, June 1991, 2). We will find healing as we forgive others. President James E. Faust taught: “It will take humility to do this, but if we will get on our knees and ask Heavenly Father for a feeling of forgiveness, He will help us. The Lord requires us ‘to forgive all men’ [D&C 64:10] for our own good because ‘hatred [hinders] spiritual growth’ [Orson F. Whitney, Gospel Themes (1914), 144]. Only as we rid ourselves of hatred and bitterness can the Lord put comfort into our hearts” (“The Healing Power of Forgiveness,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 69).

Forgiveness does not mean that we condone our loved ones’ poor choices or allow them to mistreat us. Forgiveness allows us to move forward spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Just as our loved ones are in bondage to addiction, our unwillingness to forgive can hold us captive. As we forgive, we leave behind feelings that, in the words of President Thomas S. Monson, have the power to “canker, fester, and ultimately destroy” (“Hidden Wedges,” Ensign, May 2002, 20). In this way, we eliminate the barriers to having the Spirit more abundantly and continue on the path of discipleship. As President Dieter F. Uchtdorf reminds us, “Heaven is filled with those who have this in common: They are forgiven. And they forgive” (“The Merciful Obtain Mercy,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2012, 77).

To learn more: Addiction and Recovery Support Guide

Hope and Help - new section on LDS.org

This is a new section on LDS.org. Some pages may be enhanced and additional topics added based on your feedback.

Life brings many challenges for every member of the human family. Some challenges are the result of unwise choices that all of us make from time to time. Others may have nothing to do with our choices at all but are the results of others’ actions. And sometimes, like a bereavement or a chronic illness, there is no one at fault. But in every circumstance, hope and peace can be found in the gospel of Jesus Christ and in the infinite Atonement of Christ, who understands our burdens.

Please prayerfully use these topic pages whenever you feel burdened, to gain hope or help for your needs, or to support those you care about. The topics are listed in alphabetical order.

• Abuse
• Addiction
• Adoption
• Death, Grieving and Loss
• Disabilities
• Divorce
• Emotional and Mental Health
• Forgiveness
• Overcoming Pornography
• Pregnant and Single
• Same-Sex Attraction
• Single-Parent Families
• Suicide
• Unemployment

To learn more: Hope and Help

Happiness in Family Life - Forgiveness

Knowing how imperfect we are, surely we can extend healing forgiveness to those we love. Jesus said, “I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men” (D&C 64:10). Comfort and sweet peace will live in our homes when we forgive each other freely.

To learn more: Happiness in Family Life - Forgiveness