Christlike Love and Forebearance

Today in Gospel Doctrine, we discussed the traits and attributes of the father in the parable of The Prodigal Son. Of course this is a similitude of our Heavenly Father and an example of pure and unconditional love, but more importantly, it is an example of how we should govern ourselves in our own interpersonal relationships. When the son, who had squandered all that was given him, returned to beg only to be a servant in his father's house, that same father rejoiced and celebrated and restored to the son all the priestly status he had once known.

When others trespass against us, but through genuine contrition and penitence, seek our forgiveness, do we cut them off and erase them entirely from our circle or do we humble ourselves and show them the love that our Heavenly Father shows to us? Alma 41:15 reminds us "For that which ye do send out shall return unto you again". It is therefore important that we remember that when we seek the cleansing power of the Atonement in our quest for forgiveness, we must remember to demonstrate that same Christlike love and forbearance when we are called upon to forgive those around us. "For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again." (Matthew 7:2)

In the course of our day to day interactions, do we show an increase in love and mercy when called upon to do so? Reacting with harshness and condemnation and refusing to reach out to those who are seeking our forgiveness puts ourselves in serious spiritual jeopardy.

The Savior is the ultimate teacher and example. When we doubt or question what our response should be, we should look to him and his actions and do all that we can to emulate them. He in return will increase our understanding and our compassion and bless us with a greater portion of His Spirit.