Gramps,
How can one ever know if they have been truly forgiven by God? I can’t seem to forgive myself.
My spouse won’t write a letter for me to go to the Temple, I have asked. He supports me in serving my Father in Heaven, but said he is not ready for this commitment. I have tried to tell him, I am making the commitment, not him. I keep thinking I must not have fulfilled all the requirements of my Heavenly Father, such as repentance. I have prayed and prayed, and have gone to my Bishop about 20 years ago. I continue to pray for the softening of his heart. I will continue to serve and pray. Thank You so Much for your help.
N, from Nevada
Dear N,
How do we know if we have been forgiven? If you have repented of any wrong doing, you must know that you are forgiven. Any feelings to the contrary are a demonstration of a lack of faith in the validity of the great atoning sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. He has said,
Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more (D&C 58:42).
Perhaps the real question is, how do we know if we have repented? The scripture continues-
By this ye may know if a man repenteth of his sins–behold, he will confess them and forsake them (D&C 58:43).
If what you may have done that was contrary to the will of the Lord is no longer a part of your life (having been forsaken), then you have repented. You should be able to accept yourself as if those things had never happened, as does the Savior.
I am a little confused about your husband not writing a letter of recommendation for you to go to the temple. I believe that this is a matter that you should discuss thoroughly with your bishop. He has the keys necessary to give both you and your husband proper guidance in such matters as these.
Gramps
