At Christmas time we often think of our important relationships with neighbours, friends and those with whom we work. Even more important are those ties we have with family members.
In The Family: A Proclamation to the World, we are taught that, “Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.”
Family members have the power to help or hurt each other as no one else can. A grievance, broken promise or lack of loyalty can damage or eventually fracture a relationship.
Thomas S. Monson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said, “Sometimes we can take offense so easily. On other occasions we are too stubborn to accept a sincere apology. Who will subordinate ego, pride, and hurt—then step forward with ‘I am truly sorry! Let’s be as we once were: friends. Let’s not pass to future generations the grievances, the anger of our time’? Let’s remove any hidden wedges that can do nothing but destroy.”
At this Christmas time perhaps the greatest gift we can give one another and ourselves is to forgive - to allow peace and love to guide and protect our relationships.
We can follow Christ’s teaching to “Forgive men their trespasses.“ Matthew 6:14 When we realize that we too haven’t always been kind, or patient, or generous and that we need the forgiveness of others just as much as they need ours, then perhaps we may be more willing to extend a generous heart.
How will you #LightTheWorld today? For suggestions visit: mormon.org.
Click on the video below to watch day 18. How will you #LightTheWorld today? For suggestions visit: mormon.org.