Instantaneous results

Did you know that instant results are not possible?

Instant Breakfast still takes time to cook in the microwave.
Instant results on Google still take time to sort through and click on links.
Instant rewards require some sort of information to be given, or action to take before the reward is given.


As of recent, I have discovered how nothing in my life is instant, nothing can happen with the wiggle of my nose or the snap of my fingers. I have to work and try and push through to receive the results I desire.

Because of a recent experience I had, I am reminded of something I learned about in regards to instant forgiveness.

“Forgiveness is freeing up and putting to better use the energy once consumed by holding grudges, harboring resentments, and nursing unhealed wounds. It is rediscovering the strengths we always had and relocating our limitless capacity to understand and accept other people and ourselves.” 

Most of us need time to work through pain and loss. We can find all manner of reasons for postponing forgiveness. One of these reasons is waiting for the wrongdoers to repent before we forgive them. Yet such a delay causes us to forfeit the peace and happiness that could be ours. The folly of rehashing long-past hurts does not bring happiness."

James E. Faust

But during this past General Conference, Elder Klebingat said something that I believe is the key to healthy and long lasting relationships.

"Become really, really good at repenting thoroughly and quickly. Because the Atonement of Jesus Christ is very practical, you should apply it generously 24/7, for it never runs out. Embrace the Atonement of Jesus Christ and repentance as things that are to be welcomed and applied daily according to the Great Physician’s orders. Establish an attitude of ongoing, happy, joyful repentance by making it your lifestyle of choice. In doing so, beware of the temptation to procrastinate, and don’t expect the world to cheer you on. Keeping your eyes on the Savior, care more about what He thinks of you, and let the consequences follow. Spiritual confidence increases when you voluntarily and joyfully repent of sins, both small and great, in real time by applying the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Become really, really good at forgiving. “I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men” (D&C 64:10). Forgive everyone, everything, all the time, or at least strive to do so, thus allowing forgiveness into your own life. Don’t hold grudges, don’t be easily offended, forgive and forget quickly, and don’t ever think that you are exempt from this commandment. Spiritual confidence increases when you know that the Lord knows that you bear no ill feelings toward another soul."

When we can apply these two principles in our life, we will see our relationships with others grow and progress in a direction that will benefit both parties. 

So let me ask this question:

Is repentance instantaneous?
Is forgiveness instantaneous?

The answer is:

Only if we make is so. The longer we dwell on things of the past and mistakes, whether they are our own or others', the longer is will take for us to get over it.


Let us apply these principles to our lives and I can promise that we will get through it all ok with better relationships with others, ourselves, and our Heavenly Father.