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.