The Miracle of Forgiveness

The Miracle of Forgiveness is a book written by Spencer W. Kimball while he was an apostle dealing with helping sinners repent; particularly serious sinners. It grew out of Elder Kimball years spent dealing with counseling individuals as a local leader down in Arizona and as an apostle. At that time people frequently brought their problems to church authorities in Salt Lake City for counsel. Since then, due to growth of the church, it has become impracticable for this practice to continue and members are repeatedly urged to go to their local leaders for counsel. However, Elder Kimball in his early days as an apostle counseled many members.

The beginning of the book tells about all of us sinning and how even so-called minor sins have serious consequences. Elder Kimball discusses how to chart safe courses and counsels to avoid sin in many things. He also says negative things about those who don't forgive and positive things about those that do forgive.

The book is known for its bluntness in its treatment of sins such as homosexuality and adultery. However the book is also a message of hope and while emphasizing that it's better not to sin, it also declares that there is hope for the sinner.

Many people avoid reading much of it due to its harsh tones. In the LDS comedy, The RM, the main character, Jared, is given a copy of The Miracle of Forgiveness when arrested for driving a stolen car he didn't realize was stolen.

The Miracle of Forgiveness is sold in many languages and still in print to help sinners on the path to repentance.