My disciples, in days of old, sought occasion against one another and forgave not one another in their hearts; and for this evil they were afflicted and sorely chastened.
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.I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men. - D&C 64:8-10.
My parents had marital difficulties throughout my teenage years, which contributed to the difficulties I experienced and the subsequent anger I developed towards them. We were not members of the Church.
There were a few good times. There were also many arguments and misunderstandings between us. I knew they loved me, but they were too embroiled in their own difficulties to be able to express and show it.
I graduated from high school, and approximately eight years after I left home, two life-changing events took place. I married, and then a week later, I was baptized into the Church.
I was a member of just six months, and was enjoying the fruits of the Spirit that are so precious to a new convert. However, the anger toward my parents was not completely taken from me at baptism. I knew, deep within my being, that if I desired the full peace I was looking for, I had to reconcile my relationship with my parents.
It was during daily scripture study time, amidst prayer and fasting, that I was prompted to read the 64th Section of the Doctrine & Covenants, verses 8-10. At the very moment of reading these verses, peace filled my soul; and my eyes became opened to the knowledge and understanding of what I must do.
Since that time, in taking the lead to reconcile my relationship and past difficulties with my parents, I have enjoyed the full peace that I most desired. The anger is gone, replaced with continued daily love and appreciation for my parents. Our relationship is now one of strength and love.
