Question
Gramps,
I know I’m not perfect, but I do my best to live a righteous life and make good choices. So when I hear that we’re supposed to repent daily, I’m not sure what that even means, and how to do this?
Jamie
Answer
Jamie,
Repentance is not merely a checklist of actions to be completed; it is a heartfelt change of mind and spirit. As President Ezra Taft Benson stated, “Repentance is a change of heart and mind,” This change is rooted in recognizing our shortcomings and turning our hearts back to God. It is a process that requires humility, faith, and a sincere desire to improve.
One of the key components of true repentance is experiencing godly sorrow. This type of sorrow is distinct from mere regret or self-pity. President Benson described godly sorrow as “a gift of the Spirit,” a deep realization that our actions have offended our Heavenly Father and caused suffering to our Savior, Jesus Christ. This awareness leads us to a genuine desire to change and seek forgiveness.
When we feel sorrow for our sins, we must ask ourselves: Is this sorrow leading me to repentance, or is it leading me to despair? If our sorrow motivates us to turn away from sin and seek God’s grace, it is likely godly sorrow. However, if it leads to hopelessness, we must remember that God’s love and mercy are always available to us.
Repentance is often described in several steps, which can vary in presentation but generally include recognition, remorse, confession, restitution, and forsaking the sin. Elder Neal A. Maxwell emphasized that true repentance involves not just a mechanical checklist but a genuine change of heart.
Recognition: The first step is recognizing that we have sinned. This requires self-reflection and honesty about our actions and their consequences.
Remorse: Feeling genuine sorrow for our actions is crucial. This sorrow should lead us to a desire to change.
Confession: Confessing our sins to God is essential. For serious sins, it may also involve confessing to a bishop, who acts as a representative of the Lord.
Restitution: Where possible, we should seek to make amends for the harm we have caused. This may involve apologizing to those we have wronged or taking steps to rectify our actions.
Forsaking the Sin: True repentance requires us to turn away from our sins entirely. This does not mean we will never struggle with them again, but it does mean we are committed to overcoming them.
At the heart of repentance is the Atonement of Jesus Christ. His sacrifice allows us to be forgiven and cleansed from our sins. As we strive to repent, we must remember that we are not alone in this journey. Christ stands ready to help us, offering His grace and strength to overcome our weaknesses.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland beautifully articulated this concept, stating, “However many chances you think you have missed, however many mistakes you feel you have made… you have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love.” This assurance is vital for anyone struggling with the weight of sin and the desire to repent.
Despite its importance, many misconceptions about repentance persist. Understanding these can help clarify the process and alleviate some of the burdens associated with it.
Myth 1: Repentance is a One-Time Event
Many people view repentance as a singular event that occurs only when they commit a significant sin. In reality, repentance is an ongoing process. President Benson emphasized that most repentance is a “step-by-step, steady, and consistent movement toward godliness.” It is a lifestyle of continual improvement and striving to align our lives with God’s will.
Myth 2: I Must Be Perfect Before I Can Repent
Some individuals believe they must achieve a certain level of perfection before they can approach God for forgiveness. This belief can lead to feelings of inadequacy and despair. However, the truth is that we come to Christ as we are, with all our imperfections. The Atonement is designed for those who recognize their need for help and are willing to change.
Myth 3: God Will Not Forgive Me for Repeated Sins
Another common misconception is that if we repeatedly commit the same sin, God will eventually stop forgiving us. However, the scriptures teach that as long as we sincerely repent and strive to improve, God’s grace is sufficient to cover our shortcomings. In Mosiah 26:30, we read, “Yea, and as often as my people repent will I forgive them their trespasses against me.” This promise is a testament to God’s infinite love and mercy.
Repentance is not merely about seeking forgiveness; it is about transformation. It is a process that allows us to become more like Christ and to develop a deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father. As we engage in sincere repentance, we can experience a mighty change of heart, leading us to a life filled with peace, joy, and purpose.
Incorporating repentance into our daily lives can help us maintain a close relationship with God. This practice allows us to reflect on our actions, seek forgiveness, and recommit to living according to His will. Daily repentance does not mean we are morally weak; rather, it demonstrates our humility and desire to grow spiritually.
One of the most comforting aspects of repentance is the assurance of forgiveness. When we sincerely repent, we can trust that God will remember our sins no more (Doctrine & Covenants 58:42-43). This promise allows us to move forward without the burden of guilt, enabling us to embrace the future with hope and faith.
Gramps
