Cross Reference

Matthew 5:43-45

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt

love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless

them that curse you, do good to them that hate

you, and pray for them which despitefully use

you, and persecute you;

That ye may be the children of your Father which

is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the

evil and and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just

and on the unjust.

love:

D&C 112:11

neighbour:

TG Neighbor  

Love:

TG Love

enemies:

TG Enemies

TG Opposition

bless:

TG Retribution

curse:

TG Curse

good:

TG Benevolence 

hate:

TG Hate

pray:
Job 42:10
Acts 7:55-60
TG Pray

persecute:
TG Persecution

may be:
GR may become
Mosiah 5:7

children:
TG Sons and Daughters of God

rain:
Job 2:10 
2 Nephi 2:11
Alma 60:13
D&C 5:22
D&C 29:39
D&C 122:5-9


"Healing the Tragic Scars of Abuse" by Elder Richard G. Scott

excerpt:

"Forgiveness

During prolonged recovery from massive surgery, a patient anticipates complete healing in patience, trusting in others’ care. He does not always understand the importance of the treatment prescribed, but his obedience speeds recovery. So it is with you struggling to heal the scars of abuse. Forgiveness, for example, can be hard to understand, even more difficult to give. Begin by withholding judgment. You don’t know what abusers may have suffered as victims when innocent. The way to repentance must be kept open for them. Leave the handling of aggressors to others. As you experience an easing of your own pain, full forgiveness will come more easily.

You cannot erase what has been done, but you can forgive. (see D&C 64:10.) Forgiveness heals terrible, tragic wounds, for it allows the love of God to purge your heart and mind of the poison of hate. It cleanses your consciousness of the desire for revenge. It makes place for the purifying, healing, restoring love of the Lord.

The Master counseled, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them who despitefully use you and persecute you.” (3 Ne. 12:44; italics added.)

Bitterness and hatred are harmful. They produce much that is destructive. They postpone the relief and healing you yearn for. Through rationalization and self-pity, they can transform a victim into an abuser. Let God be the judge—you cannot do it as well as he can.

To be counseled to just forget abuse is not helpful. You need to understand the principles which will bring healing. I repeat, most often that comes through an understanding priesthood leader who has inspiration and the power of the priesthood to bless you."