Repentance

Repentance is one of the first principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ as taught in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We need repentance because none of us are perfect: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Yet we must become perfect if we are to return to our Heavenly Father because no unclean thing can dwell in His presence. In His infinite mercy and justice, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to live a perfect life and atone for our sins and imperfections. His suffering, death, and resurrection make it possible for us to return to live with God after this life. However, Heavenly Father will not take away our agency; for the atonement to cleanse us, we must first accept it through repentance.

Repentance constitutes more than a change of behavior; it is a change of heart. We should repent consistently, and not only of serious transgressions. When we repent, we feel genuine sorrow for offending God and for hurting others. We confess our sins to Him, and, depending on the severity of the sin, to an authorized representative who can help us through the repentance process. When possible, we do what we can to make things right. We then commit to forsake the sin and to live better lives. Our repentance is a demonstration of our faith in Christ and a preparation to make and keep sacred covenants with God.

When we sincerely repent, the Lord promises that He will forgive us and remember our sins no more (D&C 58:42). Though repentance can be difficult and painful, the rewards of a clear conscience and spiritual healing are more than worth it. As we frequently repent, the Lord will help us become the men and women that He knows we can be.

These devotionals articulate the importance and blessings of repentance. They encourage each of us to strive to be a better version of ourselves, and they inspire greater confidence in the forgiving and healing power of the Savior when we choose to repent.