Nephi's response to this murderous attempt and apology was to frankly forgive his brothers. This response was remarkable for two reasons. First, Nephi had an incredible generosity of spirit to forgive his brothers so quickly and freely. Secondly, he understood that they had not only sinned against him but had also sinned against God, necessitating that they pray unto the Lord their God for forgiveness. Nephi exemplified the true spirit of forgiveness. DC 64:9-10 states, Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin. I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.
Howard W. Hunter
"How are we supposed to act when we are offended, misunderstood, unfairly or unkindly treated, or sinned against? What are we supposed to do if we are hurt by those we love, or passed over for promotion, or are falsely accused, or have our motives unfairly assailed? Do we fight back?…Do we revert to an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, or as Tevye says in Fiddler on the Roof, do we come to the realization that this finally leaves us blind and toothless?…We can all be a little more forgiving." (Ensign, Nov. 1992, p. 18as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p.25)
Neal A. Maxwell
"[Refusing to forgive others is] to hold hostage those whom the Lord would wish to set free." (Conference Report, Oct. 1991 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p.26)
Richard G. Scott
"When anguish comes from evil acts of others, there should be punishment and corrective action taken, but the offended is not the one to initiate that action. Leave it to others who have that responsibility. Learn to forgive; though terribly hard, it will release you and open the way to a newness of life. Time devoted by one injured to ensure the offender is punished is time wasted in the healing process." (Ensign, May 1994, p.9 as taken from Latter-day Commentary on the Book of Mormon compiled by K. Douglas Bassett, p.26)