2 Corinthians 2

“Ye Ought Rather to Forgive”

Forgiving others can be very difficult. Paul wrote to the Corinthian Saints about forgiving a transgressor in their community. Paul invited them to forgive, both for the good of the person being forgiven as well as for their own benefit. As you study, seek to increase your understanding of the importance of forgiveness and your desire to forgive others.

How would you react?

Imagine how you and others around you may react in the following situations:

• It becomes well known that a member of your ward or branch committed a serious sin, like breaking the law of chastity.

• Someone in your ward or branch openly opposed Church leaders.

Answer the following questions:

• Even if the people in these scenarios were meeting with Church leaders and striving to repent, how might others talk about and treat them?

• Why might it be difficult for some people to treat them with love and forgiveness?

In 2 Corinthians 2, Paul wrote of a similar situation in Corinth when someone had transgressed and been disciplined by members of the Church.

Ponder how you treat those around you who may have transgressed. Consider the following questions posed by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:

Is there someone in your life who perhaps needs forgiveness? Is there someone in your home, someone in your family, someone in your neighborhood who has done an unjust or an unkind or an unchristian thing? All of us are guilty of such transgressions, so there surely must be someone who yet needs your forgiveness.

(Jeffrey R. Holland, “I Stand All Amazed,” Ensign, Aug. 1986, 72)

As you study this lesson, seek the help of the Holy Ghost to increase your understanding of the importance of Christlike forgiveness and how you might forgive others.

Paul taught about forgiveness

1. Copy the following chart into your study journal and complete it:

Read 2 Corinthians 2:5–11, and see what truths you can identify under the following categories:

How should we treat a person who has caused us grief?	Why should we treat people this way?

• What did you learn from studying this passage?

Two principles you may have identified are that through the Savior Jesus Christ, we can forgive and reach out in love to others and if we do not forgive others, Satan will have an advantage over us.

• What are examples of how you might forgive, comfort, or confirm your love toward someone who has transgressed or otherwise been unkind?

• Based on what you know about the Savior Jesus Christ, why might He want us to forgive and show love to each other? How can He help us do this?

Elder Massimo De Feo of the Seventy taught:

True disciples love to forgive. They know that the Atonement of the Savior covers all sins and mistakes of each one of us. They know that the price He paid is an “all-inclusive price.” Spiritual taxes, fees, commissions, and charges related to sins, mistakes, or wrongdoings are all covered. True disciples are quick to forgive and quick to ask for forgiveness.

My dear brothers and sisters, if you are struggling to find the strength to forgive, don’t think of what others have done to you, but think of what the Savior has done for you, and you will find peace in the redemptive blessings of His Atonement.

(Massimo De Feo, “Pure Love: The True Sign of Every True Disciple of Jesus Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 82)

• When have you seen an example of someone who forgave another and then reached out in love to that person?

• How does withholding forgiveness give “Satan … an advantage [over] us”? ( 2 Corinthians 2:11).

2. Complete the following activity in your study journal:

Imagine that, like the Corinthians, people in your ward need to increase their love and forgiveness toward those who have sinned. Because of this, your bishop invites you to share a short thought on forgiveness at the beginning of your class or quorum meeting. Take a few minutes and create an outline of what you could say. Include the following:

1. At least one verse or phrase from 2 Corinthians 2:7–11.

2. Another scripture or a statement by a Church leader. (You could use the statement by Elder Kevin R. Duncan below, one of the scriptures he mentions, or one of the scripture passages that follow his statement.)

3. Your own thoughts and testimony about giving love and forgiveness to others and how that can help us come closer to the Savior.

Teachings about forgiveness

Elder Kevin R. Duncan of the Seventy said:

I am convinced that most of us want to forgive, but we find it very hard to do. When we have experienced an injustice, we may be quick to say, “That person did wrong. They deserve punishment. Where is the justice?” We mistakenly think that if we forgive, somehow justice will not be served and punishments will be avoided.

This simply is not the case. God will mete out a punishment that is fair, for mercy cannot rob justice (see Alma 42:25). God lovingly assures you and me: “Leave judgment alone with me, for it is mine and I will repay. [But let] peace be with you” [Doctrine and Covenants 82:23].

(Kevin R. Duncan, “The Healing Ointment of Forgiveness,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2016, 33–34)

• Matthew 5:43–44

• Ephesians 4:32

• What did you learn that could help members of your ward better understand and extend forgiveness?

• How can forgiving others bring them closer to Jesus Christ?

Reflect on how you treat those who have transgressed. Seek inspiration from Heavenly Father about what you could do to “forgive … and … confirm your love toward” them (2 Corinthians 2:7–8). Consider writing your impressions and thoughts in your study journal, including any actions you feel inspired to take.

Optional: Want to Learn More?

How can forgiveness bless you personally?

President James E. Faust (1920–2007) of the First Presidency taught:

If we can find forgiveness in our hearts for those who have caused us hurt and injury, we will rise to a higher level of self-esteem and well-being.

(James E. Faust, “The Healing Power of Forgiveness,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 68)

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

With the apostolic authority granted me by the Savior of the world, I testify of the tranquility to the soul that reconciliation with God and each other will bring if we are meek and courageous enough to pursue it.

(Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Ministry of Reconciliation,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 79)

How can Jesus Christ help you forgive?

Elder Kevin R. Duncan of the Seventy taught:

Forgiveness is the very reason God sent His Son, so let us rejoice in His offering to heal us all. The Savior’s Atonement is not just for those who need to repent; it is also for those who need to forgive. If you are having trouble forgiving another person or even yourself, ask God to help you. Forgiveness is a glorious, healing principle. We do not need to be a victim twice. We can forgive.

(Kevin R. Duncan, “The Healing Ointment of Forgiveness,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2016, 35)

Watch the video “Principles of Peace: Forgiveness,” 1:49, available on ChurchofJesusChrist.org, which shows an example of how, because of Jesus Christ, a woman was able to forgive her father.

How can I better understand what forgiveness is?

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught:

[Jesus Christ] did not say, “You are not allowed to feel true pain or real sorrow from the shattering experiences you have had at the hand of another.” Nor did He say, “In order to forgive fully, you have to reenter a toxic relationship or return to an abusive, destructive circumstance.” But notwithstanding even the most terrible offenses that might come to us, we can rise above our pain only when we put our feet onto the path of true healing.

(Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Ministry of Reconciliation,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 79)