forgiveness just touches us in ways that I don't think we've even begun to fully capture.

There are so many positives.

We've talked about mental and physical health, the improvements in quality of life,

the ability to help reduce the weight of trauma, and it certainly isn't the only reason to do it.

And being a Christian myself, you know, there's many reasons to want to forgive, but my belief is that our great

creator provided these mechanisms that help us do better. And so that's my hope and prayer

for everyone, is that they consider forgiveness, they value it, and they experience the true benefits of forgiveness.

I'm Sarah Jane Weaver, editor of the Church News. Welcome to the Church News podcast.

We are taking you on a journey of connection as we discuss news and

events of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In recent months, President Russell M. Nelson, leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of

Latter-day Saints, has spoken repeatedly about forgiveness, pleading with Latter-day Saints has spoken repeatedly about forgiveness, pleading

with Latter-day Saints to end personal conflict, free themselves from a grudge they may be harboring,

and forgive someone who has wronged them. Quote, there is nothing easy about forgiving

those who have disappointed us, hurt us, cheated us, or spread false rumors about us, President Nelson said.

However, not forgiving others is poison for us. Grudges weigh us down. Angry disagreements separate

us. Anomosity and hatred can divide families. And yet, the Savior's Council is clear. If you

forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father

will also forgive you. While forgiveness is important to us spiritually, a growing body of research

shows how forgiveness also affects our mental and physical health. Dr. Lauren Toussaint, a forgiveness

and health expert, is a professor of psychology at Luther College, the chair of

the Discover Forgiveness Advisory Council for Templeton World Charity Foundation, and president

...