"Where Can I turn for peace,
Where is my solace when other sources cease to make me whole.
When with a wounded heart, anger, or malice,
I draw myself apart, searching my soul

Where, when my aching grows,
Where when I languish,
Where, in my need to know, where can I run?
Where is the quiet hand to calm my anguish?

Who, who can understand
He, only One.
He answers privately,
Reaches my reaching,

In my Gethsemane, Savior and Friend
Gentle the peace he finds for my beseeching.
Constant he is and kind
Love without end." (LDS Hymns, #129 - Where Can I Turn for Peace)

Forgiving others who hurt us or those we love is sometimes very difficult. We don't see the entire picture the way that the Savior does. He completely understands both sides. In my family my youngest son is the peacemaker. He is so loving and gentle and hurt when he hears contention. He keeps us in line and sets the example. He is always the first to say he is sorry even if it isn't his fault. I'm learning so much from him!  He has a Christ-like love for our family.

We are often taught the importance of the Atonement in our lives, but do we ever concentrate on the atonement in the lives of others.  Do we help or hinder their progress when we will not forgive their mistakes. We have to be willing apply the Atonement both ways - for  our mistakes and also the mistakes of others. I think Faith plays a big part in being able to forgive. Trusting our Heavenly Father to be both just and merciful.

While teaching my son's primary class we studied the story of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies.    (Alma Chapters 23-27 What stood out in my mind was " For they   became a righteous people, they did lay down their weapons of their rebellion that they did not fight against God any more, neither against any of their brethren" (Alma 23:7)

This story offers many lessons to us! I thought about the grudges we may hold against others - a weapon of war. I thought about the times in my life when I've brought up past mistakes or when others bring up mine. Another weapon of war. I'm sure you can think of   others.

How often do we stir others up to our cause - like the Amalekites who were exceedingly angry...they began to stir up the people in anger against their brethren. (Alma 27:2) We sometimes become lost in the moment and do not see the big picture.

When war was upon them for the second time, they remained faithful to their covenants - to their God - "Now this people again refused to take up arms, and they suffered themselves to be slain according to the desires of their enemies) (Alma 27:3) The faith they showedis so amazing to me!

The other part of this story is when Ammon takes the Anti-NephiLehies to the land of Zarahemla. Ammon inquires of the Lord and King Lamoni has faith to follow. The Lord tells them to go - who's test is it now? The people of Zarahemla, who rise to the occasion. They understood the principle of repentance said "come to Jershon".   (Alma 27:5-8) (Alma 27:21-22)

The Anti-Nephi Lehies became a highly favored people of the Lord and so can we. (Alma 27:30) To gain forgiveness, which we all need, we must be willing to forgive others. Love them in spite of what they might do to us... try and find peace by going to the Lord for help.

And listen for his answer for he 'answers privately'.  Christ taught the ultimate lesson in forgiveness as he hung from the cross and cried, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do" Could anyone have shown greater love and compassion? Christ showed us a better way, a healthier way to deal with the injustices  that may come our way. We can grow from these experiences if we will  put our faith and trust in the Lord. The gospel is beautiful and we will feel the peace that is offered as  we live it.

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