I love Elder Jeffrey R. Holland!
And this week's Come, Follow Me lesson is so timely that it is definitely something that I can apply. Forgiveness is hard, especially when trying to forgive oneself. I can't even explain how hard it is to forget my past transgressions and how depressing it is to always think how inadequate I am and that I have not been forgiven by God.
Well, that is what the adversary wants me to think.
God is a merciful and just God if we choose to earnestly repent and to come unto Him with an open heart and willing mind. He is willing to withhold eternal punishment if we humble down and seek to follow His will. How great is the infinite Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ - A constant reminder how God loves us and is willing to help us to become perfect as He is despite our imperfections.
"Surely each of us could cite an endless array of old scars and sorrows and painful memories that this very moment still corrode the peace in someone’s heart or family or neighborhood. Whether we have caused that pain or been the recipient of the pain, those wounds need to be healed so that life can be as rewarding as God intended it to be."
It is very motivating to know that if we forgive others or even ourselves, we can enjoy the peace and the good things that life has to offer. Anger and pride definitely hinders them. It causes too much stress if we constantly think of the offenses that we've given and taken. And the Lord even gives us the warning that if we do not forgive, we are in greater damnation than the one who had offended us. We wouldn't want that now, would we?
Easier said than done. But I know that time heals all wounds. And that with the Lord's help we can overcome our weaknesses and the imperfections of others. We could not do it alone. We need guidance from the Master Healer, Comforter, Redeemer.
And I share this in Jesus' name, Amen.