Forgiving Family

What does it mean to forgive? The definition on LDS.org is as follows: As used in the scriptures, to forgive generally means one of two things: (1) When God forgives men, he cancels or sets aside a required punishment for sin. Through the atonement of Christ, forgiveness of sins is available to all who repent, except those guilty of murder or the unpardonable sin against the Holy Ghost. (2) As people forgive each other, they treat one another with Christlike love and have no bad feelings toward those who have offended them (Matt. 5:43–45; 6:12–15; Luke 17:3–4; 1 Ne. 7:19–21).

Here are 10 necessary steps for forgiveness that include repentance:
1. Recognize the sin/offense
2. Feel sorrow for the sin/offense
3. Forsake the sin/disclose
4. Confess/Avoid the offending behavior
5. Make restitution (make wrongs right)
6. Recall the hurt
7. Empathize
8. Offer the altruistic gift of forgiveness
9. Commit publicly to forgive
10. Hold on to forgiveness

Source: Hawkins, A. J. (20122012). Repentance and Forgiveness in Family Life. Successful marriages and families: proclamation principles and research perspectives (205-210). Provo, Utah: BYU Studies and School of Family Life, Brigham Young University.

I am reminded of the simple Children's Primary song:

1. ♫♫ Help me, dear Father, to freely forgive
   All who may seem unkind to me.
2. Help me, dear Father, to truly repent,
   Making things right, and changing my ways.
3. Help me each day, Father, I pray;
   Help me live nearer, nearer to thee. ♫♫
4. 
   
   
5. "Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of ... repentance [and] forgiveness." 
6. ~The Family: A Proclamation to the World

I know that my Redeemer lives. I know that we can repent, forgive, and be forgiven of our sins because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ that made it possible for us. As we forgive others, our family members, and ourselves, we will be able to feel the Spirit of the Lord working to strengthen our families. 

Please enjoy this heart-warming video about this man and his incredible example of forgiveness. Warning: box of tissues will be needed.