We each are here on earth for the purpose of growing and progressing.However, through it all we will make mistakes. We will need to repent because,of our wrong choices. Sin can come about out of igronance, our weakness or pure disobedience. We all are imperfect people so,we will fall short occasionally. Heavenly Father knew we would sin.
To commit sin is to willfully disobey God’s commandments and fail to act righteously despite knowledge of the truth. However, our elder brother Jesus Christ has made it possible for us to repent and start anew (Alma 42:4).
Jesus was the only one capable of carrying out the Atonement for all mankind. He is the only perfect person whom ever walked the earth. All of us must rely on the love and mercy of Jesus to become cleansed from our sin (D&C 50:28-29). When we sin, we all become enemies to the Lord. If we continue in sin, we experience spiritual death, being separated from Heavenly Father’s presence.
Elder Richard G. Scott tells us, “The painful consequences of sin were purposely put in our plan of happiness by a compassionate Father in Heaven so that you need not follow that tragic path in life.”
Repentance is the way provided for us to become free from our sins and receive forgiveness for them. Sin slows our spiritual progression and can even stop it. Repentance makes it possible for us to grow and develop spiritually again. Repentance requires us to surrender to God and His will in our lives. At some point in our lives we realize Christ is the only hope, and we humble our hearts and seek to do His will with our lives. When we repent of our sins the Lord does not remember them any more. In fact, each of us needs continually to repent and obey so that the gift of the Savior will satisfy the demands of justice for even our small mistakes.
For behold, if Adam had put forth his hand immediately, and partaken of the tree of life, he would have lived forever, according to the word of God, having no space for repentance; yea, and also the word of God would have been void, and the great plan of salvation would have been frustrated. (Alma 42:5)
There is hope through the power of repentance. In order for the process of repentance to take place there are several necessary steps to take:
1. Recognize Our Sins
We must admit to the wrong we have done. If we do not admit this we can’t repent. The scripture tells us not to justify our sinful practices. “And he said unto them, Ye are they, which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” (Luke 16:15)
2. Feel Sorrow
We must feel terrible about the wrong we have done and have a sincere desire to change. It will require much tears, sorry and regret.
3. Confession
Confess your shame and guilt to the Lord and then plead for His help. Confessing our sins removes a heavy burden off our back. Covering our sins keeps us from progressing. But, those who confesses and give up their sin shall have mercy.
4. Make Restitution
We should make right any wrong we have done. When we do these things God will not mention our sin to us when we are judged. Restitution shows the Lord that you will do all in your power to repent.
5. Forgive Others
We must forgive those who have hurt us. Our hearts must be free of hate, bitterness, and bad feeling against others in order for forgiveness to work.
6. Keep the Commandments
We must fill our lives with righteous activities. Read and ponder the scriptures. Pray for the Lord’s guidance and strength, fasting during those times of need in our lives.
The prophets have declared that “this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God” (Alma 34:32).
We should begin the day by examining our actions to see whether the Spirit of God is with us. At night before we go to sleep, we should review our acts and words of the day and ask the Lord to show us the things for which we need to repent. By repenting every day and having the Lord forgive our sins, we will experience the daily process of becoming perfect. As with Alma, our happiness and joy can be sweet and exquisite. There is no blessing as sweet as the blessing of repentance. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to repent each day.
