The Gift of Repentance

I used to think that repentance was about punishment.  That if you did wrong, you had to do a certain amount of good to make up for it.  So wrong...

As a missionary, and especially as a representative of Jesus Christ, I have seen the results of repentance.  I have invited people to repent.  I have seen the results of someone who accepts the invitation and those who don't.  The impact can last for generations.

What is repentance????  I love the quote above.  It implies there is a path to a "more glorious future".  Repentance takes us from a path leading to a not so glorious future to one that is.  I love this.  It represents a change.  A choice.  Repentance includes all of those.  We can choose a different path.  We can change.  

The LDS Guide to the scriptures states:

A change of mind and heart that brings a fresh attitude toward God, oneself, and life in general. Repentance implies that a person turns away from evil and turns his heart and will to God, submitting to God’s commandments and desires and forsaking sin. True repentance comes from a love for God and a sincere desire to obey His commandments. All accountable persons have sinned and must repent in order to progress toward salvation. Only through the Atonement of Jesus Christ can our repentance become effective and accepted by God.

One of the hardest things for me to witness is someone who thinks they can't repent.  They think they're not worthy.  My heart hurts for them.  The burden they bear is great.  But it can be lightened.  As a representative of Jesus Christ we teach true repentance.  We teach that Satan is the voice that says we can't change, we can't repent.  Our Savior Jesus Christ invites.  He is pulling for us.  He can make the burden light.

  

Repentance is the process of transforming our life to one worthy of the Savior.  One that seeks His will.  To become like him.

I know Jesus Christ lives.  I know he atoned for our sins, our weaknesses, and our illnesses.  He knows us, He loves us.  He will clense us.  He will save us.

I'm grateful for the opportunity I have had to be a small instrument in His hands to bless the lives of the people here in Santiago, Panama.  I love them.  I pray for them.  I know that faith in Jesus Christ gives us hope for a more glorious future.  I know this with all my heart.

Please enjoy this video on Jesus Christ. It is one of my favorites.