forgiveness: the cure for all ills

2 Corinthians 2:5–11

Paul admonished us to forgive each other not only for the sake of the forgivee but the forgiver. When we forgive those who have harmed us, we receive the greater reward. In effect when we let go of grudges or hurts, we stop allowing the person to injure us. No, it's not easy, but it's worth it. Whenever I indulge in digging up old hurts, it undermines my mental and physical health. It's as if I am inviting them to hurt me all over again. It's strange that some feel the need to relive the pain over and over again; perhaps they feel it justifies our inadequacies. Instead, we can find great peace and joy by giving the benefit of a doubt and letting things go. Also, some injure others inadvertently or thoughtlessly instead of maliciously. Especially, those of a tender heart need forgiveness to leave off guilt, sorrow, and despair. Even if the injury was intended maliciously, it is better for the injured party to forgive, forget, and move on for their own sake. Finally, when we are unforgiving, we are guilty of the greater sin.

“We see the need for [forgiveness] in the homes of the people, where tiny molehills of misunderstanding are fanned into mountains of argument. We see it among neighbors, where insignificant differences lead to undying bitterness. We see it in business associates who quarrel and refuse to compromise and forgive when, in most instances, if there were a willingness to sit down together and speak quietly one to another, the matter could be resolved to the blessing of all. Rather, they spend their days nurturing grudges and planning retribution...If there be any who nurture in their hearts the poisonous brew of enmity toward another, I plead with you to ask the Lord for strength to forgive. This expression of desire will be of the very substance of your repentance. It may not be easy, and it may not come quickly. But if you will seek it with sincerity and cultivate it, it will come...There is no peace in reflecting on the pain of old wounds. There is peace only in repentance and forgiveness. This is the sweet peace of the Christ, who said, ‘blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.’ (Matt. 5:9.)” (Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, June 1991, 2, 5).