Beauty for Ashes: The Healing Path of Forgiveness
Open talk in Gospel LibraryContents
Before Reading
Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:
- What is the story of David, Nabal, and Abigail, and how does it relate to forgiveness?
- How does Sister Yee connect this story to the atonement of Jesus Christ?
- What does Sister Yee say about the impact of forgiveness on our lives?
- How does Sister Yee's personal experience illustrate the power of forgiveness?
- What teachings of other Church leaders does Sister Yee reference in her talk?
Topics
Understanding Forgiveness through the Story of David, Nabal, and Abigail
Sister Yee uses the story of David, Nabal, and Abigail from the book of 1 Samuel to illustrate the concept of forgiveness. Abigail, in her willingness to take Nabal’s sin upon herself, symbolizes Jesus Christ who took upon Himself our sins and those of others who have hurt us. This act of forgiveness can release us from the burden of a vengeful heart.
Just as Abigail was willing to take Nabal’s sin upon herself, so did the Savior—in an incomprehensible way—take upon Him our sins and the sins of those who have hurt or offended us.
- What role did Abigail play in the story of David and Nabal?
- How does Abigail symbolize Jesus Christ in the context of forgiveness?
- How can you apply the lessons from the story of David, Nabal, and Abigail in your life?
- Can you recall a time when you were able to forgive someone who hurt you? How did it affect you?
The Healing Power of Forgiveness
Sister Yee emphasizes that forgiveness can bring about deep healing in our hearts and souls. It is through forgiveness that we can experience the atoning power of Jesus Christ in our lives. Forgiving those who have hurt us, even if they do not accept their responsibility, can cleanse our souls and prevent their actions from continuing to hurt us.
On the path of forgiveness, Jesus Christ’s atoning power can flow into our lives and begin to heal the deep crevasses of the heart and soul.
Through His infinite Atonement, you can forgive those who have hurt you and who may never accept responsibility for their cruelty to you.
- What does Sister Yee mean when she says that forgiveness can heal our hearts and souls?
- How does the atonement of Jesus Christ relate to our ability to forgive others?
- How has forgiveness brought healing into your life?
- How can you apply the teachings of Jesus Christ to forgive those who have hurt you?
The Savior's Role in Forgiveness and Healing
Sister Yee underscores the role of Jesus Christ in our journey of forgiveness. Just as Abigail provided sustenance and help to David, the Savior offers us the help we need to heal and be made whole. Through our covenants with the Lord, we can receive the strength, guidance, and help we need to forgive and be forgiven.
Abigail’s bringing an abundance of food and supplies can teach us that the Savior offers to those who have been hurt and injured the sustenance and help we need to be healed and made whole.
Through our covenants with the Lord, we can each receive the strengthening power, guidance, and the help we need to both forgive and to be forgiven.
- How does the Savior support us in our journey of forgiveness?
- What role do our covenants with the Lord play in forgiveness and healing?
- How have you experienced the Savior's help in your journey of forgiveness?
- How can you draw upon the power of your covenants to forgive others?
Personal Experiences of Forgiveness and Healing
Sister Yee shares her personal journey of forgiveness, detailing how she was able to replace hurt and anger with the healing balm of the Savior's love. She testifies of the Savior's divine power to save and heal, and the transformative impact of His love on her life.
As my love for the Savior has grown, so has my desire to replace hurt and anger with His healing balm.
I have been given “a new heart”—one that has felt the deep and abiding love of a personal Savior, who stayed beside me, who gently and patiently led me to a better place, who wept with me, who knew my sorrow.
- How did Sister Yee's love for the Savior help her in her journey of forgiveness?
- What does Sister Yee mean when she says she was given "a new heart"?
- How has your love for the Savior helped you in your personal journey of forgiveness?
- Can you recall a time when you felt the Savior's love in the midst of your struggle to forgive?
The Transformative Power of Forgiveness
Sister Yee emphasizes the transformative power of forgiveness, sharing the story of her father's miraculous change of heart. She testifies of the Savior's ability to heal both the sinner and those sinned against, and the liberating power of His love and forgiveness.
My earthly father has also had a miraculous change of heart in recent years and has turned to the Lord—something I wouldn’t have anticipated in this life. Another testimony to me of the complete and transformative power of Jesus Christ.
I know He is able to heal the sinner and those sinned against.
- What does Sister Yee's father's transformation reveal about the power of forgiveness?
- How does Jesus Christ's power to heal relate to our ability to forgive?
- How have you witnessed the transformative power of forgiveness in your life or in the lives of others?
- How can you seek the Savior's healing power as you strive to forgive others?
