Forgiveness

This week we were supposed to study 2 Corinthians 2:1-11 and some corresponding chapters and verses throughout the scriptures. These verses addressed forgiveness.

Within the reading we learned that we must forgive because we are forgiven and when we forgive our hearts will be lighter, Satan will not have a hold on us and we be happier.

When I first read the assigned reading to go along with the assignment I accidentally read 2 Corinthians 1:1-11. Interestingly enough this gave me a little bit of a different insight than I have ever gotten in regards to forgiveness. To me, forgiveness has always been more of a straightforward concept, I do something wrong and then someone accepts my apology, letting go of the previous wrong. However when I read the incorrect verses, I realized that repentance is the the ultimate example and pattern of forgiveness. Now I suppose I known this before I began the assignment, however reading those verses really made this concept stick with me. I am constantly doing something wrong, and I am always in need repentance, but when I come to my Father with a contrite spirit and humble heart, I am forgiven. When all has been set right, I know that my Heavenly Father will not only forgive, but also forget. This is an incredible example to me. I need to have a more perfect love for those around me so I can forgive as I am forgiven.

This topic came at a particularly good time for me, as I have been having a hard time loving and forgiving one of my roommates. We have had some disagreements throughout the semester that have made it difficult for me to have a true Christlike love for her, and in many ways this is making it harder for me to feel the spirit in my heart. But as I read these verses I was reminded that I myself have been forgiven because my Heavenly Father loves me, and as such he must also love her very much. I should also seek for that love for her, and forgive her of what I can only assume is a much less significant transgression than my own that I have already been forgiven for.

A Special Witness

I began this blog for my online religion class at BYU-I. In this class we are studying the latter half of the New Testament. As a weekly assignment we are given specific chapters to read and then write about an assigned topic.

This week our topic is the Apostles

The first part of the assignment asks me to list themes that are emphasized in the book of acts
so here goes:

The Jews were, on the whole unreceptive to the gospel even going so far as to imprison and kill the apostles preaching it to them
The Gentiles were more spiritually prepared for the gospel,
They teach repeatedly of the Resurrection

The final part is to make a list of the things that Peter does in specific chapters

Acts 2- Peter testifies of the resurrection and consequently how to gain salvation as well as the Holy Ghost. He baptizes many
Acts 3- With John's help he heals a lame man, then preaches of repentance. He then speaks of the age of restoration before the Second Coming. He names Christ as the prophet Moses spoke of .
Acts 4- He is arrested alongside John, then testifies that salvation comes through Christ.
Acts 5-Peter and John are again arrested, but then are delivered by an angel from prison, and go immediately to testify of Christ
Acts 8- Peter and John go to Samaria and confer the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands. He rebukes Simon when he asks to buy the gift.
Acts 9- Peter heals AEneas and raises Dorcas from death.
Acts 10- Peter is commanded to take the gospel to the gentiles
Acts 12- Peter is freed from prison by and Angel.

I really found it interesting in particular to see all that Peter did in these chapters. Though they were often very similar he did them diligently because he could recognize how much each soul was worth to his father. That is incredible to me. He faced terrible trials, even nearly was put to death, but he still went forth preaching the word, because he trusted his Father and his Savior.