Repentance brings forgiveness and healing through the power of Jesus Christ.
What is repentance?
Repentance is much more than admitting wrongdoing or saying we're sorry. It is a change of mind and heart, turning from sin and turning to God for help and forgiveness. When we repent, we experience lasting happiness.
Repentance is an opportunity to become better. God will be patient with you as you work to overcome bad habits and addictions and make real changes in your life. This change is possible through Jesus Christ and His sacrifice. No matter how long it takes, it's worth it.
Why should I repent?
Many believe that there is no ultimate right or wrong. But God has expectations of us and has given us commandments. We are all imperfect and we all need to repent. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Our sins prevent us from returning home to live with God.
Jesus Christ has provided a way for us to receive forgiveness. He suffered for our sins so that if we repent, we can become clean again and be free from regret.
“Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; Though they be red as crimson, they shall become as wool."-Isaiah 1:18
The Blessings of Repentance
Sin is a heavy burden that fills us with regret and sorrow. Repentance removes these feelings and replaces them with joy. Alma, a Book of Mormon prophet, described his happiness after his conversion: “There can be nothing so excellent and sweet as my joy” (Alma 36:21). When we fully repent, we are forgiven and healed. We will feel peace, joy, freedom and confidence.
How do I convert?
Jesus Christ has the power to forgive your sins. The conversion process is not complicated, but it can sometimes be painful and difficult. The Lord has promised, “He that repenteth his sins, they are forgiven, and I the Lord remember them no more” (D&C 58:42).
Conversion is a personal experience with Jesus. Some sins may take longer to repent of than others. While the conversion process shouldn't be viewed as a checklist, these principles can help you if you're not sure where to start or if you're having trouble seeing your progress.
Learn the principles of repentance
Have faith
Faith in Jesus Christ is essential for conversion. Have faith that Jesus Christ can free you from the burden of sin and make you clean again.
Recognized synd
Recognize that you have sinned, that you have turned away from God in some way. Change cannot happen if you refuse to admit that you have done something wrong.
Feeling sadness
You must feel genuine remorse for the things in your life that are contrary to God's will. Have a sincere desire to make changes. Once your sins are forgiven, your sorrow will be replaced by joy.
Leave without it
Genuine grief should make you stop doing the wrong thing. Jesus said to the woman caught in adultery, “Go and sin no more” (John 8:11).
To give in
Be open and honest with God through prayer and admit when you have made mistakes. After confessing your sins, ask for help. “By this you may know whether a man repenteth of his sins: behold, he shall confess them, and forsake them” (D&C 58:43).
Make compensation
If possible, you should repair the damage your actions have caused. If you have wronged someone else, ask for forgiveness and do everything you can to rectify the situation.
Fill your life with good
Fill your life with uplifting and strengthening activities. This includes spending time with good friends, praying, reading the scriptures, and going to church. These activities bring spiritual strength and more power to overcome weaknesses.
Keep coming to Christ
President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency spoke of each of the principles of repentance, saying, “These are all part of the manifold scriptural invitation to come unto Christ” (“Cleansed through Repentance”).FlagofLiahona,May 2019, p. 92). The Savior's loving invitation to repent is as important and liberating in modern times as ever.
Have I sinned too much to repent?
Jesus paid the price for every sin. Perhaps you have felt that your sins are too serious or that you have made the same mistake too many times. But no matter how much we have sinned, we can always repent and be forgiven. Some sins may be easier to correct than others, but Jesus Christ has provided total forgiveness for all sins. He wants to forgive.
Find peace through forgiveness. Meet missionaries and learn how.
Whether you struggle to forgive someone or overcome your own mistakes, the sacrifice of Jesus Christ makes it possible for you.
