Forgiveness is the Key

      This post goes out to anyone who is having a hard time with a relationship with someone who is very close to them. That can be the hardest thing! There are people around us daily that mean so much to us, and yet oftentimes they will treat us unfairly. I think we experience this first and foremost in our own family; it is also not uncommon in the mission field. One of the keys to happiness in the home, on a mission, or in any aspect of life is to become knit one in love and purpose. But how do you do that when a person isn't being agreeable??
        This has been on my mind so much lately. Because I don't want to be frustrated or angry! I want to be happy and at peace! I think Christ was trying to teach us how in one great and final lesson in the last moments of his precious mortal ministry. According to Luke's account of the crucifixion, "Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34) At a time when Christ had undergone a completely illegal trial, unjustified scourging and crucifixion, what was in His heart? We never undergo that degree of injustice, but when we are treated unfairly, what is in our hearts? Compassion and understanding? Or intolerance and condemnation?
     This past week we sat down to talk with someone who inspires me a lot. She has had a hard time with people saying untrue things about her recently. We really wanted to help her overcome that concern, because that kind of thing can really upset you. We shared with her President James E Faust's very last talk in 2007. What was his great and last message as a true apostle of The Lord? The healing power of forgiveness. He told a story of how a 32 year old man slaughtered 5 Amish children and then took his own life. Instead of allowing the cruelty to inspire hate within the community, they responded with love. After raising funds to help the families of the hurt children, money was also offered to the family of the man who had committed this crime. When we shared this story, immediately she responded with an inspired tone. She said this kind of thing is impossible in China. In China, if such a crime is committed, hostility will be held against that family for generations and everything will be done in their power to get even. She realized that she doesn't care about getting even! She cares about becoming like Jesus Christ, and she feels sorry for people who are sinning against her and hurting their own progression.
       In summary, this week I've gained a testimony of something I've heard the prophet President Monson say. "Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved." I know it's hard to love people sometimes. But I also know that you can pray and ask God for help, and He will give you the added measure of love you could not provide on your own. It must be more difficult for Him to love me sometimes, but I never stop feeling like He does.