I have been thinking lately about the great blessing of forgiveness; not only the forgiveness we receive from our loving Heavenly Father at times when we fall short, or the forgiveness offered to us by others when we have been the cause of offense, but also for the forgiveness we are able to find within our own hearts when we have been hurt by the words or actions of someone else. In each of these cases, forgiveness allows our hearts to heal, and for us to move forward in our lives.

When Peter asked Jesus how many times it was expected to forgive a brother, suggesting that seven times would surely be more times than could ever be expected, Jesus replied, “I say not unto thee… seven times, but…seventy times seven. Not only was it important for Peter to learn to be merciful to those around him by extending forgiveness, but by doing so, it allowed Peter to free his own mind and heart from the burden of dark or ill feelings.

May we all find it within ourselves to extend and receive forgiveness and experience the blessings that come from doing so.