April GC - Pres. Faust

President Faust quoted Dr. Sidney Simon, a recognized authority on values realization, of his definition of forgiveness as it applies to human relationships -

"Forgiveness is freeing up and putting to better use the energy once consumed by holding grudges, harboring resentments, and nursing unhealed wounds. It is rediscovering the strengths we always had and relocating our limitless capacity to understand and accept other people and ourselves."

President Faust commented on that definition saying -

...Most of us need time to work through pain and loss. We can find all manner of reasons for postponing forgiveness. One of these reasons is waiting for the wrongdoers to repent before we forgive them. Yet such a delay causes us to forfeit the peace and happiness that could be ours. The folly of rehashing long-past hurts does not bring happiness.

Some hold grudges for a lifetime, unaware that courageously forgiving those who have wronged us is wholesome and therapeutic..."

The Lord said -

"I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men." (Doctrine and Covenants Section 64:10)

Presiden Faust quoted two articles in the Deseret News -

"...If we can find forgiveness in our hearts for those who have caused us hurt and injury, we will rise to a higher level of self-esteem and well-being. Some recent studies show that people who are taught to forgive become "less angry, more hopeful, less depressed, less anxious and less stressed," which leads to greater physical well-being. Another of these studies concludes "that forgiveness . . . is a liberating gift [that] people can give to themselves."


"Forgiveness is a source of power. But it does not relieve us of consequences." When tragedy strikes, we should not respond by seeking personal revenge but rather let justice take its course and then let go...."

Finally, true forgiveness should be centered around the Savior -

"...It is not easy to let go and empty our hearts of festering resentment. The Savior has offered to all of us a precious peace through His Atonement, but this can come only as we are willing to cast out negative feelings of anger, spite, or revenge. For all of us who forgive "those who trespass against us," even those who have committed serious crimes, the Atonement brings a measure of peace and comfort.

Let us remember that we need to forgive to be forgiven."