Forgiveness

Forgiveness seems like such an easy concept, yet it can be so difficult.

This is the case in the book of Obadiah where we learn about the Edomites resentment and hatred toward Judah who are the children of Israel.

There are so many great teaching points in the shortest book of the Old Testament and I am so excited to share a few of them with you today.

First, some context.

The book of Obadiah teaches the importance of brotherhood and the dangers and consequences of forsaking the commandment to love others.

The Edomites were descendants of Esau, Jacob’s brother, and lived in the territory south of Judah. Although they were not of the house of Israel, they still belonged to the family of Abraham. Yet, their relationship was contentious and they each viewed the other as their enemy.

Now with this context in mind, it is important to understand the story of Jacob and Esau from Genesis chapters 25-27 so we know why these feelings existed. You can review this story with your family or class so they can understand the circumstances that led to Esau “hating” Jacob.

It’s also important to review the part of Jacob and Esau’s story in Genesis chapters 31-32 so you remember how the brothers resolved their conflict and were able to use forgiveness and the Atonement of Jesus Christ to heal and overcome hatred.

This context is important to your study of Obadiah because you need to understand where the Edomites resentment toward Judah came from. Their story reminds me of the Nephites and Lamanites story in the Book of Mormon. The hatred Laman and Lemuel felt toward their brother, Nephi, led to generations upon generations hating each other because of the traditions of their fathers and belief that one wronged the other.

These stories helps us understand the importance of forgiveness and how the Atonement of Jesus Christ is essential to overcome the hatred and resentment that can come when someone wrongs us or our fathers.

So now that you have some context, here are some verses and some questions that can help in your efforts to study or teach about forgiveness.

Verse 2: Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised.

How does our inability to forgive others make us small and despised by the Lord?

Verse 3: The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?

How does the pride of our hearts deceive us into not forgiving others?

Verse 4: Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the Lord.

How does not forgiving others cause us to exalt ourselves as an eagle and ultimately result in the Lord needing to bring us down? What is the Lord trying to bring us down into?

Verse 15: For the day of the Lord is near upon all the heathen: as thou hast done, it shall be done unto thee: thy reward shall return upon thine own head.

What do you learn from the statement, “as thous hast done, it shall be done unto thee?” When have you heard the Savior speak things similar to this? What type of reward comes from our inability to forgive?

I hope that these verses help you ponder on forgiveness and how the Lord’s warnings to the Edomites apply to us and our interactions with our fellow brothers and sisters.

I love that President Nelson has been counseling us recently to resolve conflict in our lives and I believe that forgiveness is necessary in order to resolve conflict. Here are a few conference talks that give further insights into the importance of forgiveness and resolving conflict that you can add to your study.

My study of Obadiah has been so powerful for me this week as I have experienced some conflict that brought me down into the humility I needed to resolve conflict by admitting that I made a mistake and needed forgiveness. It also prepared me to be able to forgive and let go of any hard feelings that would weigh me down with resentment and pride.

I know that our daily study of the scriptures can teach us so many important lessons that will help us navigate the challenges of our lives and I am so thankful for the wise words of Obadiah that helped me to forgive and resolve conflict in my life this week.

Applying the doctrines of Christ work my friend and are such an essential part of creating JOY in our lives despite our circumstances.

JOYfully,

Rachel