Topic

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.

Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Dale G. Renlund | September 14, 2021

Dale G. Renlund explains that lifelong conversion comes through determination to repeat the elements of the doctrine of Christ.

devotional 2021

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf | August 17, 2021

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf imparts hope, strength, and joy by sharing five messages he believes all of God’s children need to hear.

devotional 2021

Patrick Kearon - Presidency of the Seventy

Patrick Kearon | April 25, 2019

Elder Kearon teaches that with the love of our Heavenly Father and our God-given talents, we can establish a more wonderful world.

commencement 2019

Weatherford T. Clayton | March 14, 2017

Jesus Christ is our rock, our sure foundation. If we build on Him, no matter the shafts in the whirlwind, we cannot fail.

devotional 2017

Jeffery N. Bunker | April 5, 2016

Our thoughts determine our destinies. We must keep our thoughts clean and pure so that over time they lead us to eternal life.

devotional 2016

Lloyd D. Newell | April 11, 2014

In the scriptures, ordinary people use the Atonement to "walk in newness of life." Their examples prove it is never too late to change.

devotional 2014

D. Kelly Ogden | June 25, 2013

Whatever has gone wrong in our lives that has tainted or darkened our souls can be erased and purified by the power of sincere repentance.

devotional 2013

Michael L. Dunn | January 31, 2012

Michael L. Dunn speaks on the miracle of forgiveness that is reached through the atonement of Jesus Christ.

devotional 2012

Douglas F. Prawitt | July 19, 2011

When we fall short, we must learn to distinguish where we are from who we are. As children of a loving God, repentance and progress are always available.

devotional 2011

Spencer J. Condie | February 9, 2010

One of the fruits of sincere repentance is that it changes our very nature. Let us strive for purity of heart and a disposition to do good continually.

devotional 2010

Richard B. Miller | January 19, 2010

The eternal principles of repentance and forgiveness build strong and happy relationships in marriage. Learn to say "I'm sorry" and to let go of resentment.

devotional 2010

W. Gibb Dyer Jr. | May 15, 2001

In this talk, W. Gibb Dyer Jr. discusses the importance of repentance and its fundamental purpose and function within our lives.

devotional 2001

Brent W. Webb | May 18, 1999

Repentance is the cure for a heart made sick through sin. It can be a difficult and even lengthy process, but is always worth the sweet spiritual reward.

devotional 1999

Allen E. Bergin | October 4, 1994

I’m happy to be here today to speak of faith in our divine Redeemer. I feel close to him, and the music has enhanced that feeling. I am pleased that so many of you came today. I plan to speak on repentance, and it is good to have so many sinners here to preach to. As we approach the weighty matters of repentance, let us remember the positive side of…

devotional 1994

Cheryl Brown | May 11, 1993

Though it is contrary to the way most of the world works, the Lord manages to turn seemingly insignificant and small things into great miracles.

devotional 1993

Henry B. Eyring—second counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Henry B. Eyring | October 29, 1989

If we come unto Christ, His Atonement will make us clean and spotless. We can go home to live with God again, our deepest desire.

devotional 1989

Theodore M. Burton | March 26, 1985

Repentance includes admitting, reconciling, and forsaking the sin. While not easy, it's possible through the atonement of our loving Savior.

devotional 1985

Robert J. Parsons | July 31, 1984

We reap what we sow, especially when we are attempting to cultivate the Savior's example in our own lives. As we focus on Him, we'll harvest joy.

devotional 1984

John H. Groberg | June 3, 1984

No matter how complicated your trials, how dark your sins, or how overwhelming the challenges you face, in Christ there is always hope.

devotional 1984

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Jeffrey R. Holland | January 31, 1984

The story of the prodigal son testifies that no matter how mild or how severe our sins, there is always a way back to light, peace, and eternal life.

devotional 1984

Royden G. Derrick | June 14, 1983

The gift of agency is central to the Plan of Salvation. Using our agency to follow God's commandments gives us true independence and power over our destiny.

devotional 1983

Jeffrey R. Holland | March 18, 1980

Trouble will come, but discouragement doesn't have to. If we work now to prepare ourselves through patient and faithful discipleship, we will get through.

devotional 1980

Jeffrey R. Holland | June 2, 1974

Through repentance, we can escape the bondage of sin and be borne on eagles' wings to eternal freedom and gain mercy from the Lord.

devotional 1974

Robert L. Simpson | February 12, 1974

Repentance is the means whereby we can cast our burden of guilt and inadequacy upon the Lord and be forgiven for what we have done wrong.

devotional 1974

Bruce R. McConkie | August 15, 1972

Though the plan of salvation is universal, it is also extremely personal. Each of us must follow our own path of repentance, covenant-making, and obedience.

devotional 1972

Joe J. Christensen | July 1, 1972

Our heritage as members of the Church is one of inspiring faith. We have a responsibility to that legacy which admonishes us to be humble and to repent.

devotional 1972

Joseph Fielding Smith - Mormon Prophet and Apostle

Joseph Fielding Smith | June 24, 1964

Reverence for the Savior's atoning sacrifice, faith in His power to forgive and to save, and a testimony of repentance are essential to faith in the gospel.

devotional 1964

William J. Critchlow | April 28, 1964

In this talk, William J. Critchlow offers a seven-step process for spelling repentance and coming to a state of true change.

devotional 1964

Joseph Fielding Smith | January 25, 1955

The atonement of Jesus Christ saves us from the effects of the Fall and from our own transgressions. Understanding it gives us hope to repent and improve.

devotional 1955

Antoine R. Ivins | December 10, 1952

True repentance, says Elder Antoine R. Ivins, involves a change of mind and heart and a commitment to action. It must also include a willingness to forgive.

devotional 1952