The Gift of
Repentance
“Our responsibility is to rise from mediocrity to
competence, from failure to achievement,” President Thomas S.
Monson has taught. “Our task is to become our best selves. One
of God’s greatest gifts to us is the joy of trying again, for no failure ever
need be final.”1
We often associate the advent of a new
year with resolutions and goals. We resolve to improve, to change, to try
again. Perhaps the most important way we can try again is by embracing what
President Monson has called “the gift of repentance.”2
In the following excerpts from his teachings since he
became President of the Church, President Monson counsels us to “apply the
atoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness of
our sins, and our hearts may be purified.”3
The
Miracle of Forgiveness “We have
all made incorrect choices. If we have not already corrected such choices, I
assure you that there is a way to do so. The process is called repentance. I
plead with you to correct your mistakes. Our Savior died to provide you and me
that blessed gift. Although the path is not easy, the promise is real: ‘Though
your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow’ [Isaiah 1:18]. ‘And I, the Lord, remember them no more’ [D&C 58:42]. Don’t
put your eternal life at risk. If you have sinned, the sooner you begin to make
your way back, the sooner you will find the sweet peace and joy that come with
the miracle of forgiveness.”4
Return
to the Path “Although it is imperative that we choose wisely, there
are times when we will make foolish choices. The gift of repentance, provided by
our Savior, enables us to correct our course settings, that we might return to
the path which will lead us to that celestial glory we seek.”5
The
Way Back “If any of you has stumbled in his journey, I assure you
that there is a way back. The process is called repentance. Although the path
is difficult, your eternal salvation depends on it. What could be more worthy
of your efforts? I plead with you to determine right here and now to take the
steps necessary to fully repent. The sooner you do so, the sooner you will be
able to experience the peace and the quietness and the assurance spoken of by
Isaiah [see Isaiah 1:18].”6
People
Can Change “We need to bear in mind that people can change. They can
put behind them bad habits. They can repent from transgressions. They can bear
the priesthood worthily. And they can serve the Lord diligently.”7
Become
Clean Again “Should there be anything amiss in your life, there is
open to you a way out. Cease any unrighteousness. Talk with your bishop.
Whatever the problem, it can be worked out through proper repentance. You can
become clean once again.”8
The
Savior’s Essential Role “Essential to the plan [of salvation] is our
Savior, Jesus Christ.
Without His atoning sacrifice, all would be lost. It is not enough, however,
merely to believe in Him and His mission. We need to work and learn, search and
pray, repent and improve. We need to know God’s laws and live them. We need to
receive His saving ordinances. Only by so doing will we obtain true, eternal
happiness.”9
Teaching
from This Message
All of us are
imperfect—only through the gift of repentance made possible by the sacrifice of
Jesus Christ can we be cleansed from sin and improve our lives. Consider
discussing with those you teach how we “correct our course settings” through
repentance. How have they felt nearer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ
through positive changes they have made in their lives? You could invite those
you teach to write spiritual resolutions for the new year and to be accountable
to a friend, spouse, or other family member for their progress.
Show References
“To
Forgive”
(we must
forget)
cji
1/1/18
Too
often we tangled feet
trying to
walk in one direction
while
actually going in the other
mixed signals
causing nothing
one can
ask for forgiveness
but not
willing to forgive another
leads to
nothing but wastedness
repentance
requires many things
all of
them difficult worthwhile
to walk
in the same direction
forgiving
and forgetting both!
Copyright © 2018 – cji
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