2 Corinthians 2:1-11  Forgiveness

This week, I studied 2 Corinthians 2:1-11 and also read in Matthew 6:14-15 and D&C 64:9-10.These verses teach of the importance of forgiving others and that as we forgive others, we will be forgiven of our sins. It is the Lord that has the right to condemn, but we are required to forgive all men-if not, then we are condemned.
The people of Corinth were commanded to forgive those that had caused grief. The blessings we receive when we forgive is peace and love in our hearts toward those who have wronged us. Also, as we cause others grief, we are forgiven.The danger in failing to forgive is that we can become bitter and we actually cause those who have trespassed against us to be hindered in their progress. C Max Caldwell and  Leun G. Otten discussed this danger, “When we take the position of withholding forgiveness from our fellow men, we are attempting to block his progress towards salvation. This position is … not Christlike. We are endeavoring to impede the progress of a living soul and deny him the forgiving blessings of the atonement. This philosophy is saturated with impure motives that are designed to destroy the soul”.One other important point to remember is that when we don't forgive, it remains in us and we become greater of a greater sin-that of an unforgiving heart. 
A great book that has helped me understand this principle better is "The Peace Giver" by James L. Ferrell. Also, there is a beautiful portrait that depicts the true nature and meaning of forgiveness by Greg Olsen. It has also helped remind me of the importance of forgiveness. The fact is, If we don't forgive, then we allow Satan to win, not once but twice, or multiple times if many take offense and keep it in their hearts. We need to understand that this is just one of the ways Satan seeks to mislead us.  Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said: “Satan’s most strenuous opposition is directed at whatever is most important to the Father’s plan. Satan seeks to discredit the Savior and divine authority, to nullify the effects of the Atonement, to counterfeit revelation, to lead people away from the truth, to contradict individual accountability, to confuse gender, to undermine marriage, and to discourage childbearing (especially by parents who will raise children in righteousness)” (“The Great Plan of Happiness,” Ensign, Nov. 1993, 72).
There are so many aspects of the Atonement, but one that I have learned well is that we can rely on His strength in the Atonement because He knows our pain and suffering when others have wronged us. One thing that has comforted me and was something that helped me in my last steps in the process of forgiveness (for I have learned that it truly is a process depending on the severity of the grievance)during one of the greatest painful times in my life was that if those who wrong you and repent, ( or don't repent) don't or are not able to restore completely that which they destroyed and took from you, He will Atone for them and you are given back all that was taken through Christ. He will repay you. I don't know about you, but I find that amazing and wonderful. It gives hope and faith and fills me with great joy to know that He will bless me with all I lost and more as I remain true and faithful to Him. I love my Savior and can testify of the truths found in these scriptures. I have found a greater capacity to love as I have been able to forgive especially those who have trespassed against me.