Repentance. The punishment for the crime.

Or so my 13-year-old self thought.

I had done something wrong, and I was trying to remember the “steps” that I needed to go through to repent.

And once I went through all the correct steps, then I’d be okay again.

This was just the punishment.

I don’t think I’m alone in admitting that this was what I thought repentance was.

“The thing” you have to go through to pay for the crime.

And it’s probably the place I’ve seen the most spiritual maturity in my current life.

I love that there has been an emphasis more recently that repentance is really a positive action that brings us closer to the Savior!

The Lord spoke to Joseph in D&C 5:21:

“And now I command you, my servant Joseph, to repent and walk more uprightly before me,”

Did you catch that?

When Joseph repents, then he can walk more uprightly!

I just picture that heavy load of guilt and pain being lifted off of weary shoulders so that he can stand up straight and get back to work!

Elder Dale G. Renlund put this in great perspective when he taught:

“The fact that we can repent is the good news of the gospel!

“Guilt can be ‘swept away.’ We can be freed from feelings of despair and the bondage of sin. We can be filled with the marvelous light of God and be ‘pained no more.’

“Repentance is not only possible but also joyful because of our Savior.”

Oh man, doesn’t repentance sound awesome?!

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

Share:

Facebook
Pinterest
Email
Print

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I accept the Privacy Policy

Keep Studying

Related Posts

I’ve been forgotten 

It’s frustrating when you are going through a trial, and no one seems to offer any help.⁣ I’ve been there. ⁣ It’s rough. ⁣ But

Why don’t you drink? 

“Hey, I’m gonna head inside and grab a beer. Do you want me to grab you one?” I was at a restaurant with some of

Do it on your own 

“You are supposed to be able to handle everything in your life on your own, and if you can’t handle it or need help, you

Behind my back

Someone was talking badly about me being my back. I was in high school. And someone told me about what someone else was saying. And

The failed mission 

Parley. Oliver. Peter. Ziba. ⁣ Heading out on the first mission for the tiny church. ⁣ Heading west, with a strong end goal, but not