As I have thought about how to approach forgiveness (particularly forgiving more immediately and completely), I was struck by something Silver Rain said in a comment from last week's resolution post - To Forgive Is Better Than to Forget. Her comment was:
"Even further, for a victim, healing through the atonement can come while the sin is still being committed. It is unimaginable, but it is true."
I really LOVE that statement, and I would like to get reactions and responses from everyone about that concept specifically.
3 comments:
Hi Ray!
That is an AMAZING truth! It reminds me of what it says in Alma 34:31
...and therefore, if ye will repent and harden not your hearts, immediately shall the great plan of redemption be brought about unto you.
This scripture helps me realize that the healing power of the atonement can come IMMEDIATELY to me if I provide a broken heart and a contrite spirit, confess my sins, and repent. I think we all fall into the trap of thinking we need to go...2 weeks or some alotted time without a certain sin to be eligable for the atonement's healing power.
Obviously, being a victim is different than the culprit. I think of when Joseph Smith was praying in the sacred grove, and he was overcome with the darkness of the enemy, and thought he was going to die. Then, he called unto God, and he was delivered from that enemy which had bound him. I can't imagine what pain you must feel having the devil himself exert all of his power over you, but Joseph Smith was immediately relieved of that pain that he felt by calling on the Lord.
On a side note, Ray, I just wanted to say I have gotten so much insight on your posts. Not to mention many of the other links to other blogs on your page. Being such a new convert, I so appreciate all of you guys who spend the time and energy in doing these blogs. It has been such a blessing to me. just wanted to say thank you!
Joe
Thank you, Ray, for commenting on this. It is something I have only recently begun to understand. Am I meta-commenting, if I comment on my own comment?
From my current perspective in life, I have come to see how vital it is for a victim to understand that he or she can be healed in the midst of being wounded.
When you are a victim, you feel entirely helpless. It is as if you are a deer being hunted by a pack of dogs. You are searching anywhere, everywhere for someone to help you, somewhere where you will be safe. Eventually, you submit to the dogs, hopeless that sanctuary exists, let alone that you might find it.
For some victims, especially children, it is impossible to entirely remove oneself from the source of pain.
However, when a victim comes to understand that he or she has the power to forgive and to be healed, suddenly you change from a victim to a martyr. You gain some measure of power over your situation. You become an actor, and not just an actee. Most importantly, you find safety.
In vengeance, there is only reaction and fear. In the Atonement, there is strength and healing.
I get the theory,I'm just so very bad at the practice.
I feel that as I have become more generous,as I have recognised and been able to internalise the great riches with which I have been blessed,I have been able to become safe enough to give that forgiveness away,even as I am being hurt.What I am still failing to get to grips with is internalising my Saviour's love sufficiently to be able to do that when I feel emotionally impoverished.
I somehow always manage to miss the magic,and get left with the hard work-which is fine,I just wish I got it like others seem to.I guess I believe in miracles for others,but I am the exception.Working on it.
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