TrendZion

Passages drawn from the sermons and published works that carry this theme forward.

1. 1858·George A. Smith·Apostle
   The next publication which made a prominent show in the world was a book entitled "Mormonism Unveiled," written by Doctor P. Hurlburt. In consequence of improper conduct among females, he was expelled from the Church. He confessed his wickedness to the Council. I was present, and heard him. He promised before God, angels, and men that he would from that time forth live his religion and preserve his integrity, if they would only forgive him. He wept like a child, and prayed and begged to be forgiven. The Council forgave him; but Joseph told him, "You are not honest in this confession."
   Divine Origin of “Mormonism”—Doings and Sayings of Early Opposers and Apostates — jodcopy citation
2. 1975·Gordon B. Hinckley·Apostle
   To which I must first reply, that no member of this Church must ever forget the terrible price paid by our Redeemer who gave his life that all men might live—the agony of Gethsemane, the bitter mockery of his trial, the vicious crown of thorns tearing at his flesh, the blood cry of the mob before Pilate, the lonely burden of his heavy walk along the way to Calvary, the terrifying pain as great nails pierced his hands and feet, the fevered torture of his body as he hung that tragic day, the Son of God crying out, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” ( Luke 23:34 .)
   The Symbol of Christ — cojccopy citation
3. 1983·Richard G. Scott·Apostle
   Third, a sincere, selfless desire to build the other. This requires an analysis of one’s own life, to identify and change those things that must be altered so that love and trust can grow and mature and feelings of forgiveness flower.
   The Power to Make a Difference — cojccopy citation
4. 1986·Ezra Taft Benson·Prophet
   “Clearly, right marriage begins with right dating. … Therefore, this warning comes with great emphasis. Do not take the chance of dating nonmembers, or members who are untrained and faithless. [You] may say, ‘Oh I do not intend to marry this person. It is just a “fun” date.’ But one cannot afford to take a chance on falling in love with someone who may never accept the gospel.” ( Miracle of Forgiveness, pp. 241–42.)
   To the “Youth of the Noble Birthright” — cojccopy citation
5. 1991·Joseph B. Wirthlin·Apostle
   If sin has deprived us of peace within, we can repent and seek forgiveness of our sins. The Lord said that he “cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance; Nevertheless, he that repents and does the commandments of the Lord shall be forgiven” ( D&C 1:31–32 ). Elder Spencer W. Kimball wrote: “The essence of the miracle of forgiveness is that it brings peace to the previously anxious, restless, frustrated, perhaps tormented soul. In a world of turmoil and contention this is indeed a priceless gift” ( The Miracle of Forgiveness [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1969], p. 363).
   Peace Within — cojccopy citation
6. 2002·Richard G. Scott·Apostle
   “Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin.
   To Be Free of Heavy Burdens — cojccopy citation