Forgiveness
The injunction to forgive forms a basis of Christian thought. The idea of Karma or payback or vengeance is contrary to Christian ideals. Only God is just, and while we are in the world we must give up the idea of justice. We are required to forgive everyone: "I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men." (D&C 64:10) There is no injustice, no hurt, no damage that allows us to seek vindication. When we seek justice for any one of those who injure us, we are seeking justice for ourselves. However, when we forgive all others we will also be forgiven."For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (Matthew 6:14-15)
Grace
However, forgiveness is not enough. We must actively seek injustice if we are to follow Christ. The act of seeking injustice is called "grace." The true Christian goes farther than just forgiving, you would also "bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you and persecute you." (3 Nephi 12:44) We give grace by imparting to those who steal from us, by praying for those who injure us, and doing good for those who hate us. Mowing the lawn of a poor widow is a good thing, but introducing your enemy to the Lord is truly Christian. Forgiving the person who hit you is a good thing, but praying with all your heart for God to bless the criminal who broke into your house and killed your children is truly Christian. Justice is entirely delegated to God, while we only seek for grace -- for ourselves and all others.Jesus did likewise, of those who would nail Him to the cross He said: "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34) However, not only was forgiveness extended, Jesus offers Eternal Life, the greatest of all the gifts of God, even to those same people who crucified Him. Grace is offered instead of justice.
This is so good. I've only recently recognized that my desire to receive justice in my life is actually a temptation from Satan.
ReplyDeleteWhen that family member or someone else hurts me, I don't necessarily want them to suffer, but I do desire that they could see how mistreated I was. Even this mild form of seeking justice is a temptation from Satan.
Charity would have me lose myself and concern myself more with the needs of those who "harm" me. In the few instances when I've been able to achieve this state (almost always as a result of serious prayer) I miraculously find that no one can really "harm" me.
When no one can really "harm" us anymore, Satan loses power over us. Just one more reason Charity is required to overcome this world and receive all HF has.