Repentance, Peace, and Forgiveness

Painting Yourself into a Corner

One day my father assigned me to varnish a wooden floor. I made the choice to begin at the door and work my way into the room. When I was almost finished, I realized I had left myself no way to get out. There was no window or door on the other side. I had literally painted myself into a corner. I had no place to go. I was stuck.

Whenever we disobey, we spiritually paint ourselves into a corner and are captive to our choices. Like repentance, turning around and walking across a newly varnished floor means more work—a lot of re-sanding and refinishing! Returning to the Lord isn’t easy, but it is worth it.

Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Returning What Was Stolen

Many years ago when I was practicing law in California, a friend and client who was not a member of our faith came in to see me and with great enthusiasm showed me a letter he had received from an LDS bishop of a nearby ward. The bishop reported that a member of his congregation, a former employee of my client, had taken materials from my client’s work site and had rationalized that they were surplus. But after becoming a committed Latter-day Saint and attempting to follow Jesus Christ, this employee recognized that what he had done was dishonest. Enclosed in the letter was a sum of money from the man to cover not only the cost of the materials but also interest. My client was impressed that the Church through lay leadership would assist this man in his effort to be reconciled to God.

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Every soul confined in a prison of sin, guilt, or perversion has a key to the gate. The key is labeled “repentance.” If you know how to use this key, the adversary cannot hold you. The twin principles of repentance and forgiveness exceed in strength the awesome power of the tempter. If you are bound by a habit or an addiction that is unworthy, you must stop conduct that is harmful. Angels will coach you, and priesthood leaders will guide you through those difficult times.

President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

The Savior extend[s] His arms to embrace us during our times of true repentance.

He teaches us to become “a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord.” And then we will reconcile ourselves to God, and we will become friends to God. I bear witness of the reality and power of the Savior’s Atonement to cleanse, purify, and make us and our homes holy as we strive to put off the natural man and follow Him.

Elder Juan A. Uceda of the Seventy

Hearing conference helped me. It reminded me of my life and my duty here on earth. Pres. Thomas S. Monson stated, “Endure to the end,” and I plan on following his counsel.

Alec M., 13, Arizona, USA

I love listening to the prophet. I feel like I’m listening to the Savior when he speaks. My impression is this is the true Church. It is a feeling of peace and surety that I feel in my soul. I cannot deny this. I am so happy to know that there is a way back to my Heavenly Father, no matter the mistakes I have made. The Savior is there for me, and all I have to do is reach out, have faith, and follow the teachings of Jesus.

Robyn B., Texas, USA

Conference was amazing. The Spirit was so strong, and I loved listening to all the speakers and the great things they had to share! I feel like I become a better person and I am encouraged to do what is right. They remind me of my Savior’s love for me and how much He wants me to return to Him, worthily.

Julia I., 15, Utah, USA

I enjoyed conference this year because it help to build my faith. It seemed like every talk was directed to me. Each person telling me a different way to put my trust in the Lord. I know that what was said in conference is modern revelation. I know that as I strive to do what I have been taught, I will receive strength from the Lord.

Caleb W., 16, Utah, USA

My feeling towards the conference is, I want every member of my family to hear with me everything that our leaders say, so it can be something to change their hearts and minds to join us as part of this Church.

Penisimani M., 13, Tongatapu, Tonga

I really enjoyed general conference. The Spirit was extremely strong throughout the meetings. I know that the speakers are truly called of God. The talks focused on the youth I really enjoyed. It reminded me that I am loved and that I have people watching out for me and all of the other youth!

Abby O., 13, Utah, USA

NEmore

For more information about the new Duty to God program, go to DutyToGod.lds.org.

NEmore

For more information on Personal Progress, go to PersonalProgress.lds.org.