Repentance

What does it mean to Repent?

I means "to change our thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors that are not in harmony with His will. Repentance includes forming a fresh view of God, ourselves, and the world." (Preach My Gospel pg 62)

When we repent we seek forgiveness from God for the sins we have committed. It is the act of going to Him in prayer and seeking help and guidance to overcome the temptations of Satan. We then turn away from our sins and if we have hurt anyone we also seek restitution, or forgiveness from the person(s) we have hurt.

As we repent we receive many blessings from the Lord. We can have a new view of ourselves and the world around us. We will feel Gods love, We will feel peace knowing we are following God and we can have the blessings of the Spirit in our lives.

How is it possible for us to be forgiven of our sins when they can seem so big and so bad?

For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent; (Doctrine & Covenants 19:16)

Christ suffer all things for us "both body and spirit" for us. No matter the sin He has suffered all things so that we can have claim on the mercy of Christ "...If ye will repent, and harden not your hearts, then will I have mercy upon you, through mine Only Begotten Son;" (Alma 12:33)

What would happen is we don't repent of our sins?

"But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;

Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—"

(Doctrine & Covenants 19:17-18)