I've had several conversations over the past few years with several friends about trying to keep an eternal perspective. I am so blessed to have so many friends and family members that have such admirable faith. I wanted to share some of the things that I have learned from the conversations I've had. They are as follows:
1. Forgiveness is unconditional. We as disciples of Christ have made a commitment to forgive all and love all despite their behavior. Often times we seek to feel justified in reacting to our hurt feelings because of how offended we feel. If we can not make a decision that is motivated by Christ's love, is it the right one? Our relationship with Christ dictates our self control. If we distance ourselves from Christ with our anger, despair, and faithlessness we distance ourselves that much further from making the right decision.
2. Time does matter. The longer we hold on to feelings that are not conducive to the Spirit, the longer it will take to get back to Christ. When we say to ourselves that we are not ready to forgive because we are still upset, we are only following the adversary's path to destruction. A proper relationship and faith in Christ and His Atonement will give you the capacity to forgive as quickly as the offensive feelings you feel entered your conscience. God alone may judge. Don't be fooled into thinking that you can play God.
3. Forgiveness does not mean things stay the same. The world would have you believe that when you forgive someone you must accept their behavior. The Lord would not have you remain with those who would jeopardize your salvation. It is crucial that we make decisions filled with God's love and perspective and that we not be afraid of where that may bring us. Sometimes to love someone the way God would is to distance yourself from them. I believe that in regards to divorce, it can only be through faithful prayer and pondering that a decision can be made. Every effort to remain sealed should be sought. I believe that a decision of divorce can only be made after the deciding individual can say that he or she still loves his or her spouse the way our Heavenly Father does and feels inspired to do so. We must make sure that we are not motivated by fear, pain, and sadness but be guided by peace, love, and charity.
4. Life should be hard. The quest for easy things in life makes one weak and ill prepared for what makes us stronger. Trials and tribulations alone are not an indication that your life is headed down the wrong path. God entrusts His children with difficulty and challenges to prepare them for what lays ahead. We are not to abandon those we go through trials with hoping that they were the cause of it. We should study the lives of those that we admire and more than often we will see that their lives were filled with challenges and tragedies that the world would have you believe are not worth passing through. Remember that the adversary would have you seek what makes you feel complacent. It is not necessary that we become evil to not live with God, just lazy.
5. Happiness can be constant. I've found that my happiness is conditional with my relationship with Christ alone. A few years ago were the darkest of times temporally but I found that as I cast my burdens to the feet of my Lord, I was filled with joy and peace. It didn't matter what my circumstances were because I had found peace. Peace is what the Lord gives us to know that He is with us through all times. Our temporal condition is subject to the Lord only. We are not to think that we are going through good times because we somehow are entitled to it any more than we should think that we are being cursed by passing through trials. The sooner we realize that our happiness is up to us and not our circumstances, the sooner we'll come to enjoy all aspects of our life.
1. Forgiveness is unconditional. We as disciples of Christ have made a commitment to forgive all and love all despite their behavior. Often times we seek to feel justified in reacting to our hurt feelings because of how offended we feel. If we can not make a decision that is motivated by Christ's love, is it the right one? Our relationship with Christ dictates our self control. If we distance ourselves from Christ with our anger, despair, and faithlessness we distance ourselves that much further from making the right decision.
2. Time does matter. The longer we hold on to feelings that are not conducive to the Spirit, the longer it will take to get back to Christ. When we say to ourselves that we are not ready to forgive because we are still upset, we are only following the adversary's path to destruction. A proper relationship and faith in Christ and His Atonement will give you the capacity to forgive as quickly as the offensive feelings you feel entered your conscience. God alone may judge. Don't be fooled into thinking that you can play God.
3. Forgiveness does not mean things stay the same. The world would have you believe that when you forgive someone you must accept their behavior. The Lord would not have you remain with those who would jeopardize your salvation. It is crucial that we make decisions filled with God's love and perspective and that we not be afraid of where that may bring us. Sometimes to love someone the way God would is to distance yourself from them. I believe that in regards to divorce, it can only be through faithful prayer and pondering that a decision can be made. Every effort to remain sealed should be sought. I believe that a decision of divorce can only be made after the deciding individual can say that he or she still loves his or her spouse the way our Heavenly Father does and feels inspired to do so. We must make sure that we are not motivated by fear, pain, and sadness but be guided by peace, love, and charity.
4. Life should be hard. The quest for easy things in life makes one weak and ill prepared for what makes us stronger. Trials and tribulations alone are not an indication that your life is headed down the wrong path. God entrusts His children with difficulty and challenges to prepare them for what lays ahead. We are not to abandon those we go through trials with hoping that they were the cause of it. We should study the lives of those that we admire and more than often we will see that their lives were filled with challenges and tragedies that the world would have you believe are not worth passing through. Remember that the adversary would have you seek what makes you feel complacent. It is not necessary that we become evil to not live with God, just lazy.
5. Happiness can be constant. I've found that my happiness is conditional with my relationship with Christ alone. A few years ago were the darkest of times temporally but I found that as I cast my burdens to the feet of my Lord, I was filled with joy and peace. It didn't matter what my circumstances were because I had found peace. Peace is what the Lord gives us to know that He is with us through all times. Our temporal condition is subject to the Lord only. We are not to think that we are going through good times because we somehow are entitled to it any more than we should think that we are being cursed by passing through trials. The sooner we realize that our happiness is up to us and not our circumstances, the sooner we'll come to enjoy all aspects of our life.
