Below are the quotes that were used in the video.
Being forgiven for something we have done wrong is very comforting. We are commanded to help others feel this comfort as we forgive them (Section 64:9). Forgiving others brings great spiritual blessings to us including peace and hope. A focus in these sections is the command for us to forgive others, as well as ourselves. forgiveness helps our heart come closer to God (see 64:8, 11, 16, 22).
On August 27, 1831, the Prophet Joseph Smith and a number of elders had recently returned to Ohio from their journey to dedicate the land and the temple site in Zion, or Independence, Missouri. During the journey to and from Missouri, some of the elders had disagreements with each other and experienced contentious feelings, but most were able to reconcile with each other.
Introduction
You and your “BFF” have had a fight. Since you are in High School, you now will hate that person for all eternity. You will not forgive them no not ever!
In the meantime you are speaking with your Bishop because of a worthiness concern, hoping and praying that the Lord will forgive you.
What should you do?
Matthew 18:23-35
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles recounted a class he attended in which the teacher proposed that 10,000 talents was equivalent to several billion dollars. (see “Students Need Teachers to Guide Them,” CES Satellite Broadcast, 20 June 1992, 3-4).
Scholars estimate that it would take a common laborer "about 33 years for him to be able to purchase one talent. And it would take over 300,000 years to earn 10,000 talents, the sum of the servant’s debt” (Jay A. Parry and Donald W. Parry, Understanding the Parables of Jesus Christ [2006], 95).
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: "Rabbinism . . . specified that forgiveness should not be extended more than three times to any offender. . . Peter asked a question that, as he must have then supposed, assumed a far more liberal rule than that imposed by the Rabbis.” (The Mortal Messiah, 4 vols. [1979–81], 3:91)
Elder David E. Sorensen: “Forgiveness means that problems of the past no longer dictate our destinies, and we can focus on the future with God’s love in our hearts.” (“Forgiveness Will Change Bitterness to Love,” Ensign, May 2003, 10–11, 12).
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf: “When the Lord requires that we forgive all men, that includes forgiving ourselves. Sometimes, of all the people in the world, the one who is the hardest to forgive—as well as perhaps the one who is most in need of our forgiveness—is the person looking back at us in the mirror.
"This topic of judging others could actually be taught in a two-word sermon. When it comes to hating, gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding grudges, or wanting to cause harm, please apply the following:
"Stop it!
"It’s that simple. We simply have to stop judging others and replace judgmental thoughts and feelings with a heart full of love for God and His children. God is our Father. We are His children. We are all brothers and sisters. I don’t know exactly how to articulate this point of not judging others with sufficient eloquence, passion, and persuasion to make it stick. I can quote scripture, I can try to expound doctrine, and I will even quote a bumper sticker I recently saw. It was attached to the back of a car whose driver appeared to be a little rough around the edges, but the words on the sticker taught an insightful lesson. It read, “Don’t judge me because I sin differently than you.”
Real Life Situations / Role Plays
Elder Larry J. Echo Hawk: "We are to be forgiving even when it seems others may not warrant our forgiveness." (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/04/even-as-christ-forgives-you-so-also-do-ye?lang=eng).
“When Oliver Cowdery and missionary companions passed through Ohio in the latter part of 1830, Isaac Morley was among the first converts. At that time he was the owner of a good farm and considerable property, which he devoted to the establishment of the latter day work... During the month of July, 1833...Iscaac Morley and five others stepped forward and offered themselves as a ransom for their brethren, willing to be scourged or die, if that would appease the anger of the mobocrats, who on that occasion were gathered together to the number of five hundred men, armed with rifles, dirks, pistols, clubs and whips...
“[In Yelrome Illinois] he began to gather round him the comforts of life by his industry, being engaged principally in the coopering business. In the fall of 1845 his houses, cooper's shop, property and grain were burned by a mob, and he was driven from the ashes by his hard earned home to Nauvoo, where he remained until the expulsion of the Saints from Illinois. He removed to Winter Quarters, where he buried his wife, and emigrated to Great Salt Lake valley in 1848...(Andrew Jenson, Latter day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia, 1: 235 236.)
President Joseph Fielding Smith: The revelation in which the Lord called upon the Saints to keep a strong hold in Kirtland, was given Sept. 11, 1831. It was March, 1836, that the house of the Lord was dedicated and the following April when these holy keys were bestowed. After this glorious event, the members of the Church were at liberty to remove to Zion. In fact there followed a few months later an apostasy, and many turned away from the Church, but some were saved, and they were under the necessity of fleeing from the place. However, the Spirit of the Lord prevailed until his work in that place was accomplished and the appointed time had passed." (Smith, Joseph Fielding, Church History and Modern Revelation, 1:237.)
Helps for the Heart - “I, the Lord, require the hearts of the children of men” (64:22).
William Earl McLellin: After going to Joseph’s home in Hiram, Ohio, on October 29, McLellin “went before the Lord in secret, and on my knees asked him to reveal the answer to five questions through his Prophet.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/revelations-in-context/william-mclellins-five-questions?lang=eng).
William Earl McLellin: “I now testify in the fear of God, that every question which I had thus lodged in the ears of the Lord of Sabbaoth, were answered to my full and entire satisfaction. I desired it for a testimony of Joseph’s inspiration. And I to this day consider it to me an evidence which I cannot refute” (in Jan Shipps and John W. Welch, eds., The Journals of William E. McLellin, 1831–1836 [1994], 57).
Topics found in Section 66
Teaching Thoughts:
On August 27, 1831, the Prophet Joseph Smith and a number of elders had recently returned to Ohio from their journey to dedicate the land and the temple site in Zion, or Independence, Missouri. During the journey to and from Missouri, some of the elders had disagreements with each other and experienced contentious feelings, but most were able to reconcile with each other.
Introduction
You and your “BFF” have had a fight. Since you are in High School, you now will hate that person for all eternity. You will not forgive them no not ever!
In the meantime you are speaking with your Bishop because of a worthiness concern, hoping and praying that the Lord will forgive you.
What should you do?
Matthew 18:23-35
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles recounted a class he attended in which the teacher proposed that 10,000 talents was equivalent to several billion dollars. (see “Students Need Teachers to Guide Them,” CES Satellite Broadcast, 20 June 1992, 3-4).
Scholars estimate that it would take a common laborer "about 33 years for him to be able to purchase one talent. And it would take over 300,000 years to earn 10,000 talents, the sum of the servant’s debt” (Jay A. Parry and Donald W. Parry, Understanding the Parables of Jesus Christ [2006], 95).
Elder Bruce R. McConkie: "Rabbinism . . . specified that forgiveness should not be extended more than three times to any offender. . . Peter asked a question that, as he must have then supposed, assumed a far more liberal rule than that imposed by the Rabbis.” (The Mortal Messiah, 4 vols. [1979–81], 3:91)
Elder David E. Sorensen: “Forgiveness means that problems of the past no longer dictate our destinies, and we can focus on the future with God’s love in our hearts.” (“Forgiveness Will Change Bitterness to Love,” Ensign, May 2003, 10–11, 12).
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf: “When the Lord requires that we forgive all men, that includes forgiving ourselves. Sometimes, of all the people in the world, the one who is the hardest to forgive—as well as perhaps the one who is most in need of our forgiveness—is the person looking back at us in the mirror.
"This topic of judging others could actually be taught in a two-word sermon. When it comes to hating, gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding grudges, or wanting to cause harm, please apply the following:
"Stop it!
"It’s that simple. We simply have to stop judging others and replace judgmental thoughts and feelings with a heart full of love for God and His children. God is our Father. We are His children. We are all brothers and sisters. I don’t know exactly how to articulate this point of not judging others with sufficient eloquence, passion, and persuasion to make it stick. I can quote scripture, I can try to expound doctrine, and I will even quote a bumper sticker I recently saw. It was attached to the back of a car whose driver appeared to be a little rough around the edges, but the words on the sticker taught an insightful lesson. It read, “Don’t judge me because I sin differently than you.”
Real Life Situations / Role Plays
- A young woman is hurt and embarrassed after learning that some of her peers have been spreading gossip about her. Later, some of these peers apologize, but others do not. The young woman forgives those who have apologized but holds a grudge against the others.
- A young man disobeys a commandment. He prays for forgiveness and discusses the problem with his bishop. However, even after the bishop has assured the young man that he has fully repented, the young man continues to feel unworthy because of his past sin.
- A young girl is feeling sad and confused because of the actions of her father. He has abandoned his family. Before he left, he rarely showed love for the family and was often cruel. She does not understand why her father acted this way, and she carries feelings of anger toward him.
Elder Larry J. Echo Hawk: "We are to be forgiving even when it seems others may not warrant our forgiveness." (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2018/04/even-as-christ-forgives-you-so-also-do-ye?lang=eng).
“When Oliver Cowdery and missionary companions passed through Ohio in the latter part of 1830, Isaac Morley was among the first converts. At that time he was the owner of a good farm and considerable property, which he devoted to the establishment of the latter day work... During the month of July, 1833...Iscaac Morley and five others stepped forward and offered themselves as a ransom for their brethren, willing to be scourged or die, if that would appease the anger of the mobocrats, who on that occasion were gathered together to the number of five hundred men, armed with rifles, dirks, pistols, clubs and whips...
“[In Yelrome Illinois] he began to gather round him the comforts of life by his industry, being engaged principally in the coopering business. In the fall of 1845 his houses, cooper's shop, property and grain were burned by a mob, and he was driven from the ashes by his hard earned home to Nauvoo, where he remained until the expulsion of the Saints from Illinois. He removed to Winter Quarters, where he buried his wife, and emigrated to Great Salt Lake valley in 1848...(Andrew Jenson, Latter day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia, 1: 235 236.)
President Joseph Fielding Smith: The revelation in which the Lord called upon the Saints to keep a strong hold in Kirtland, was given Sept. 11, 1831. It was March, 1836, that the house of the Lord was dedicated and the following April when these holy keys were bestowed. After this glorious event, the members of the Church were at liberty to remove to Zion. In fact there followed a few months later an apostasy, and many turned away from the Church, but some were saved, and they were under the necessity of fleeing from the place. However, the Spirit of the Lord prevailed until his work in that place was accomplished and the appointed time had passed." (Smith, Joseph Fielding, Church History and Modern Revelation, 1:237.)
Helps for the Heart - “I, the Lord, require the hearts of the children of men” (64:22).
- “A day of sacrifice” including tithing (64:23).
- “Labor while it is called today” (64:25).
- “Ye are on the Lord’s errand” (64:29).
- “Be not weary in well-doing (64:33).
- See things in an eternal perspective (64:33).
- Be “willing and obedient” (64:34).
- Be faithful in your stewardships (64:40).
- Be a part of, and build up Zion (64:41-43).
William Earl McLellin: After going to Joseph’s home in Hiram, Ohio, on October 29, McLellin “went before the Lord in secret, and on my knees asked him to reveal the answer to five questions through his Prophet.” (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/revelations-in-context/william-mclellins-five-questions?lang=eng).
William Earl McLellin: “I now testify in the fear of God, that every question which I had thus lodged in the ears of the Lord of Sabbaoth, were answered to my full and entire satisfaction. I desired it for a testimony of Joseph’s inspiration. And I to this day consider it to me an evidence which I cannot refute” (in Jan Shipps and John W. Welch, eds., The Journals of William E. McLellin, 1831–1836 [1994], 57).
Topics found in Section 66
- God wants to bless those who receive His truths and covenants (v. 1-2).
- Staying on the covenant path requires repentance (v 3).
- There is more for us to do today (4-13)
- Proclaim the gospel (v. 5).
- Bear testimony in every place (v. 7).
- Our daily discipleship will strengthen us (v. 8).
- “Be patient in affliction” (v. 9). •“Ask and ye shall receive” (v. 9).
- “Seek not to be cumbered” (hindered or cluttered) (v. 10).
- Don’t _____ - “a temptation with which thou hast been troubled” (v. 10).
- “Push many people to Zion with songs of everlasting joy…” (v. 11).
- Go where the Lord wants you to go (v. 5-8).
- Don’t worry about your property (v. 6).
Teaching Thoughts:
- Role plays / practical application for forgiveness.
- It is better to discuss and apply one or two fundamental gospel principles than it is to cover many topics that do not touch the heart.
- Have your family or class come up with their list of 5 questions that are answered in section 66. What questions do they have in their life that are answered in this section?
- Section 65 comes in answer to a prayer. What answer will God give you in your prayers today?