"Jesus said it is easy to love those who love us; even the wicked can do that. But Jesus Christ taught a higher law. His words echo through the centuries and are meant for us today. They are meant for all who desire to be His disciples. They are meant for you and me: 'Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you' (Matthew 5:44).
"When our hearts are filled with the love of God, we become 'kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving [each other], even as God for Christ's sake [forgave us]' (Ephesians 4:32).
"The pure love of Christ can remove the scales of resentment and wrath from our eyes, allowing us to see others the way our Heavenly Father sees us: as flawed and imperfect mortals who have potential and worth far beyond our capacity to imagine. Because God loves us so much, we too must love and forgive each other....
"Brothers and sisters, there is enough heartache and sorrow in this life without our adding to it through our own stubbornness, bitterness, and resentment.
"We are not perfect.
"The people around us are not perfect (see Romans 3:23). People do things that annoy, disappoint, and anger. In this mortal life it will always be that way.
"Nevertheless, we must let go of our grievances. Part of the purpose of mortality is to learn how to let go of such things. That is the Lord's way.
"Remember, heaven is filled with those who have this in common: They are forgiven. And they forgive.
"Lay your burden at the Savior's feet. Let go of judgment. Allow Christ's Atonement to change and heal your heart. Love one another. Forgive one another.
"The merciful will obtain mercy."
- Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "The Merciful Obtain Mercy," Ensign, May 2012, pp. 70-77
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We are not perfect, and neither are those around us. We make mistakes; so do others. We sometimes offend and hurt one another. But "there is enough heartache and sorrow in this life without our adding to it through our own stubbornness, bitterness, and resentment." President Uchtdorf pleads for greater forgiveness and understanding, since we all need to receive it as well as give it. And no hurt is so great that we can't let it go, with the help of the Savior, once we truly allow His atonement to "change and heal" our hearts.
I love that final line: "Remember, heaven is filled with those who have this in common: They are forgiven. And they forgive." We would each be wise to examine our hearts and our lives, and make sure we are not holding back the forgiveness that He would have us offer to one another.
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