When we let the love of God fill our hearts, we find strength to forgive others—and ourselves.
It’s easy to notice when others judge, gossip, or hold grudges. Yet recognizing those same tendencies in ourselves can be far more difficult. We often justify our anger as righteous or dwell on our own mistakes, unable to forgive ourselves. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s April 2012 general conference address, “The Merciful Obtain Mercy,” provides a reminder that both judging others and condemning ourselves keep us from experiencing the peace and healing that Christ offers.
Photo by Outi Marjaana
Elder Uchtdorf’s instruction is simple yet powerful: “Stop it!” Stop gossiping, stop judging, stop holding grudges. Allow love to guide our hearts. He invites us to reflect with this gentle question: “Should we not forgive as we wish to be forgiven?” This principle extends to forgiving ourselves as well. We are imperfect—and so are those around us. When we release resentment and self-condemnation, space opens for understanding, empathy, and Christlike love.
Christ provides the perfect model for this kind of love. He forgave those who persecuted him, reached out to those who opposed him, and taught us to bless and pray for others—even our enemies. When we follow his example, we open space in our hearts for understanding, empathy, and the healing that only his love can bring.
For anyone navigating hurtful relationships, lingering offenses, or feelings of guilt, Elder Uchtdorf’s counsel offers hope. Practically, this might mean forgiving a past wrong, reaching out to someone we’ve judged, or extending compassion to ourselves for mistakes we regret. Choosing mercy and love over judgment allows Christ’s Atonement to heal our hearts and bring a peace that can touch all areas of life.
Read and watch the full address “The Merciful Obtain Mercy” by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf to learn how mercy, forgiveness, and Christlike love can transform relationships and hearts.
Source: General Conference
—Macady Whitehead, Latter-day Saint Insights
FEATURE IMAGE BY DAVE HOEFLER
Find more insights
Read the general conference address “Love—the Essence of the Gospel” by President Thomas S. Monson to learn how the Savior’s love is the foundation for all meaningful relationships.
Take a look at the general conference address “The Healing Ointment of Forgiveness” by Elder Kevin R. Duncan to discover how forgiving others can bring peace and spiritual healing.