(12/28/02)
"The commandment to forgive is universal. Ultimately we both must and can forgive all who have trespassed against us, but I do not suggest that forgiveness is always quick or easy. Forgiveness is a change of heart, and sometimes a great deal of healing must take place before forgiveness can occur." — Chieko N. Okazaki, "Aloha!" [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1995], p. 93

(12/29/02)
"How much we have need of the application of this God-given principle, repentance. We see the need for it in the homes of the people, where tiny molehills of misunderstanding are fanned into mountains of argument. We see it among neighbors, where insignificant differences lead to undying bitterness. We see it in business associates who quarrel and refuse to compromise and forgive when, in most instances, if there were a willingness to sit down together and speak quietly one to another, the matter could be resolved to the blessing of all. Rather, they spend their days nurturing grudges and planning retribution." — Gordon B. Hinckley, "Be Thou an Example," [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1981], p. 48

(12/30/02)
"Now just a moment; you were about to judge someone of your acquaintance because of the downward course he had taken and the losses he had sustained by his sinning. Don't you think we spend too much time confessing the other person's sins? What about yourself? How long have you postponed the day of a repentance from your own misdeeds? The judgment we shall face will be before the Righteous Judge who will take into account our capacities and our limitations, our opportunities and our handicaps. One who sins and repents and thereafter fills his life with purposeful effort may not lose as much in that day of righteous judgment as one who, though not committing serious sin, falls down miserably by omitting to do that which he had capacity and opportunity to do but would not. Look to your own salvation, then, and leave with God the judgment. Remember what the Lord said, 'I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.' (Doc. & Cov. 64:10.)" — Harold B. Lee, "Decisions for Successful Living," [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1973], p. 100-101

(12/31/02)
"Yes, to be in the right we must forgive, and we must do so without regard to whether or not our antagonist repents, or how sincere is his transformation, or whether or not he asks our forgiveness. We must follow the example and the teaching of the Master, who said: '... Ye ought to say in your hearts let God judge between me and thee, and reward thee according to thy deeds.' (D&C 64:11) But men often are unwilling to leave it to the Lord, fearing perhaps that the Lord might be too merciful, less severe than is proper in the case." — Spencer W. Kimball, "The Miracle of Forgiveness," [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1969]