Elder Andersen's Insights
Elder Andersen said forgiveness is not earned — it is a ______.
Gift (a divine gift)
Is forgiveness something you do once, or a way of life?
A way of life — a permanent attitude, not just one act.
These "Three Beloved Friends" are who we meet on the journey of forgiveness.
Broken heart, a contrite spirit, and godly sorrow
Give one blessing that comes to you when you forgive someone who hurt you deeply.
Inner peace; lighter heart; freedom from the past; being able to receive God’s forgiveness more fully.
A bishop or branch president is called to assist in the repentance process for these types of sins.
Serious sins such as sexual transgressions, criminal activity, etc.
He said one of the greatest gifts we can offer another person is ______.
Forgiveness
This is the divine quality Christ shows when offering forgiveness to the repentant.
Mercy
Yes or No: Does repentance only involve big, serious sins?
No — It includes small things too: unkind words, holding grudges, selfish choices.
As we forgive others, we become more like _______.
Jesus Christ / our Savior
Give one small thing you can do TODAY to practice forgiveness.
Let go of an unkind thought; say a kind word to someone who hurt you; pray for them instead of being angry.
Elder Andersen stresses that forgiveness helps us build this eternal attribute.
Spiritual strength
The ability to be forgiven and to forgive ourselves comes through this process.
Repentance
The six letter word describes a sincere change of heart and mind.
Repent
True or False: You can still feel sad or hurt and choose to forgive at the same time.
True — You don’t have to feel okay first; you decide to forgive even while it still hurts.
Forgiveness helps us to overcome these feelings, which often accompany transgressions.
Feelings of guilt, despair, hopelessness, worthlessness, uncleanliness, etc.
Elder Andersen emphasizes that only this person can offer divine forgiveness.
Jesus Christ
Forgiveness of our sins does not come from the church, but from _______________.
Our Savior Jesus Christ
__________and _________sin are vital steps of repentance.
Confessing & Forsaking
Forgiving someone doesn't necessarily mean forgetting but letting go of these feelings.
Anger and Resentment
Why is forgiving yourself sometimes the hardest part?
We remember our own mistakes clearly; but God says when He forgives, He forgets — we must accept His gift and move forward.
The principles of Repentance and Forgiveness are only possible because of this.
The Savior's Atonement
True or False: If someone hurts you deeply, you have the right to refuse to forgive them.
False — The Savior’s command is to forgive everyone, no matter how deep the hurt
Yes or No: Once you repent, you will never make a mistake again.
False — Repentance is a lifelong process; we keep trying and keep turning back to God.
This phrase, spoken by Jesus on the cross, exemplifies perfect forgiveness.
"Father, forgive them."
President Nelson, in his first year as President of the church, said this, "In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually . . . " without this.
The "guiding, directing, comforting and constant influence of the Holy Ghost."