As we grow and learn our faith in Jesus Christ will be lead us to repent. There has been a need for repentance since the days of Adam & Eve. There isn’t a soul upon the earth who doesn’t have a need to repent. In some way or another, we have all sinned, to what degree is of a personal nature. Our purpose in this life is to grow and progress, a process that will never end.
There are various reasons for our sins. Some sin out of ignorance, some due to personal weakness, others out of sheer willful disobedience. In Ecclesiastes 7:20 it states that “there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.” And in 1 John 1:8 it states that “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.”
What is sin? According to the dictionary, it is “an immoral act considered to be a transgression against divine law”. According to scripture, ” to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin“. (James 4:17)
What effects do the sins we commit have on us? The answer to this question varies from person to person. For some, it brings feelings of sorrow, remorse, and guilt. With those feelings, there is often a desire to change and make right what was done wrong.
What is repentance?
According to the dictionary, repentance is “the action of repenting; sincere regret or remorse”. There is so much more to it than just that though. Repentance is a way for us to become free from our sins and receive forgiveness, not just from the ones we have wronged but from our Savior and Heavenly Father. It is through repentance that we are able to grow and gain spiritual development.
This is made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He paid the ultimate price for our sins in the Garden of Gethsamane. There is much about this that is oftentimes hard to comprehend.
FOr us to repent we must exercise great courage to face our sins, exhibiting great strength to overcome them and the weaknesses that draw us to sin. At times there are many tears that are shed and prayers that are offered up pleading not only for His help but for His forgiveness. In the end, we must be fierce in our commitment with regard to keeping the commandments.
What are the principle of repentance?
First, we must recognize our sins. We have to be willing to admit to ourselves that we have sinned. It is not possible to repent if we are not able to admit that we are in the wrong.
“We cannot hide any act of our lives from ourselves or from the Lord.”
Second, we must feel sorrow for our sins. This means that we are sincere in the sorrow we feel for the wrongs that we have done. This type of sorrow brings us to a point where we want to leave our sins behind.
Third, we must forsake our sins. This means that we turn away from them and commit them no more. We must stop doing the things that are wrong. When we truly desire to repent this is something we want to do. It is not something we feel we have to do but a strong desire within us to leave those ways behind.
Fourth, we must confess our sins. This is often the hardest part of repentance but it is crucial. It is in confessing our sins that the weight of the burden of our sins is relieved. It is important for us to confess all our sins to the Lord and where it is necessary, to those we have hurt.
Fifth, we must make restitution. This means we must try to make right what we have done wrong. Ezekiel 33: 15-16 states that “If the wicked restore the pledge, give again that he had robbed, walk in the statutes of life, without committing iniquity; he shall surely live, he shall not die. None of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him: he hath done that which is lawful and right; he shall surely live”.
Lastly, we must be diligent in keeping the commandments of God. This is vital to our repentance complete. Repentance changes our lives for the better.
In What Ways Does Repentance Help Us?
Repentance allows the Atonement of Jesus Christ to become more effective in our lives. This is how we feel and experience the forgiveness of the Lord, it is how we find freedom from sin and lasting joy in our lives.
Do not put off repenting. It has been declared that “this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God” (Alma 34:32). If ever there were a perfect time to repent it would be now. It doesn’t get easier the longer you wait.
