change bitterness to love

I've come to understand that forgiveness is a two pronged concept. If we are true followers of Christ, we must repent and be forgiven. The other prong is much more difficult. We MUST forgive others their offences or hurts against us. God does not require these things of us for His benefit. Repentance and forgiving others helps us.

We have all sinned. Big sins or little sins all need to be repented of. I know how devastating it can be to ones mental and physical health to carry guilt. Jesus promised us peace with repentance. Repentance produces "purity, peace of mind, self-respect, hope, and finally, a new person with a renewed life and abundance of opportunity." Richard G. Scott

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28–30)

"Will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you? Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me." (3 Nephi 9:13–14)

"Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool" (Isaiah 1:18).

It is hard to let go of hurts. It's as if we feel it our duty and right to nurse our hurts and peak under the scabs to see if the will still bleed. Yet we are commanded to forgive.

"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).

Some trespasses are incredibly difficult to forgive. Heinous crimes against the innocent. Fatal accidents through negligence. A person who turns their back on their family. Even these must be forgiven for our own sake. To harbor bitterness, anger, revenge, and resentment is to destroy ones own soul. We can find help in praying for strength in forgiving those who have hurt or wronged us. We must conscientiously choose to abandon negative feelings. As we look for good in others rather than focusing on faults and magnifying weaknesses, we will see them as God sees them. We will be able to let go and let God be the judge of harmful actions.

These processes are very freeing and healing. They lift us from Satan's grasp into God's divine happiness and peace. Repentance and forgiveness change bitterness to love.