PAST, FUTURE

Several years ago while researching, praying and pondering the concept of being Christlike, I realized the Savior forgave sins for all the years previous to that evening in Gethsemane and the sins of the years to come. To be Christlike I must forgive all in my past who have hurt me and determine to forgive all future hurts. I no longer react to the hurts of others. They are forgiven. I am free to live my life without the feelings that come from being unforgiving. — Jim Cowart, Mobile, Ala.

RETURNED TO TEMPLE

Several years ago, when my daughter was 16, she was raped by someone we both thought could be trusted. To make matters worse, she was infected with a sexually transmitted disease and was impregnated. After hundreds of tears and prayers, the physical consequences of this one act were resolved, but the emotional toll took much longer. She went to counseling for several months.

For me, the anger and bitterness in my heart were beyond words.

After nearly two years, I went to my bishop. He assured me that the man would be held accountable before the Lord and counseled me to pray for strength and courage to forgive and let go, that I may be healed. He gave me a priesthood blessing and encouraged me to return to the temple. I did all that he said and gradually the pain did cease. The peace and strength I received by attending the temple again gave me the assurance I needed. My daughter now has a wonderful family of her own and has been able to attend the temple as well. I am grateful for the counsel of a wise bishop. — Name and location withheld

LIFE HAS CHANGED

Before being baptized in the Church just over two years ago, I was so full of darkness. I now know why; I just couldn't forgive. My life now has changed so much.

Forgive to be forgiven. Before getting my temple recommend, I knew I just couldn't go through the Lord's house without forgiveness in my heart. I prayed so much for the person I couldn't forgive. I now have no bitterness in my heart, just love and joy! I enjoy going to the Preston Temple, with the Spirit with me and a smile on my face. — Joan Olenycz, Litherland, England

LISTENED TO COMFORTER

It was often very difficult to hear others talk so freely of forgiving others when my heart was so full of pain. Through many promptings from the Comforter, I learned forgiving my perpretator would bless my life and aid my healing more than any other single act. It was then I learned that forgiveness is a gift you give yourself. Often we think that forgiveness can only be offered when the perpetrator has earned it or asked for it. Remember, Christ offered us forgiveness, through His marvelous atonement, before we ever needed or asked for it.

As I have continued my journey of healing I was determined to have an "attitude" of forgiveness. I trusted my Heavenly Father that if I kept my heart open to the concept of forgiveness, eventually the gift would permeate my soul completely. Recently, I have begun to witness the miracle of forgiveness in my life. How to forgive? With all your soul, for all your soul. — Sharon Olsson Moss, San Diego, Calif.

SPIRITUAL WELL-BEING

As a child, I had a mother who was an alcoholic. As I grew up, I harbored anger and resentment. I did not fully realize how detrimental these negative feelings were to my own spiritual well-being until one day our branch president called me to repentance. At first I felt rebellious and unrepentant. I had not done anything wrong. It was my mother who had put her own children in dangerous situations. But as I humbled myself and knelt in prayer, the influence of the Holy Ghost began to fill my heart with understanding instead of anger and pain.

My mother has died, and this past summer we visited her grave in Arizona. We placed flowers and said a "thank-you" prayer. The Spirit was strong as we paid homage to our mom and grandmother. Her temple work has been done in her behalf.— Marsha McKneely Ault, Many, La.

WHAT MORE?

I had a bad marriage. I knew that it was important to forgive, so I fasted and prayed and studied the scriptures and, after some years, thought I had managed to forgive. Then, my ex-husband died and I was shocked to find I was glad. I had all that work to do again. I eventually felt that I had forgiven him. Then a good friend told me that it seemed to be out of character for me to be so bitter. I was surprised.

What more could I do? I prayed about it, asking, this time, what I could do more. Eventually, the answer came. "Control your thoughts!" So I kept track of my thinking, and when I found myself being negative, I amended my thoughts to something positive. This, along with fasting and prayer, brought me the peace I had yearned for. This time, I really have forgiven. — Jan Bittner, El Cajon, Calif.