Principles of True Repentance - March 8, 2015

Natalie M. led the discussion about Chapter 5: Principles of True Repentance from the Ezra Taft Benson manual and set the tone for a safe and honest discussion on repentance.

The gospel is the plan of happiness. 

• Why is that important to remember that repentance is a part of the plan of happiness as we repent?

"Young people especially sometimes feel that the standards of the Lord are like fences and chains, blocking them from those activities that seem most enjoyable in life. But exactly the opposite is true. The gospel plan is the plan by which men are brought to a fulness of joy. This is the first concept I wish to stress. The gospel principles are the steps and guidelines that will help us find true happiness and joy." Chapter 5: Principles of True Repentance

“O how love I thy law! … Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies. … Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. … Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart.” (Ps. 119:97–98, 105, 111.)
Chapter 5: Principles of True Repentance

Faith precedes true repentance

Therefore, repentance means more than simply a reformation of behavior. Many men and women in the world demonstrate great willpower and self-discipline in overcoming bad habits and the weaknesses of the flesh. Yet at the same time they give no thought to the Master, sometimes even openly rejecting Him. Such changes of behavior, even if in a positive direction, do not constitute true repentance.

Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the foundation upon which sincere and meaningful repentance must be built. Chapter 5: Principles of True Repentance

• Why is a change of heart so important? 

As you replace the behavior you are repenting of with something better it can be simply wanting the Spirit of the Lord and that the old behavior would prevent that. A change of heart is the difference between a temporary change and a a permanent one.

Repentance involves a change of heart

And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually. Mosiah 5:2

C.S. Lewis said we become new creatures. Jesus Christ can change us.

Thus, the change is likened to a new birth. Thousands of you have experienced this change. You have forsaken lives of sin, sometimes deep and offensive sin, and through applying the blood of Christ in your lives, have become clean. You have no more disposition to return to your old ways. You are in reality a new person. This is what is meant by a change of heart.
Chapter 5: Principles of True Repentance

• What can you do if you are waiting for a loved one to experience the change of heart? 

We can focus on becoming more like the Savior and being patient, while knowing you cannot control their change of heart.

Godly sorrow leads to true repentance

"No one is more anxious to see us change our lives than the Father and the Savior." Chapter 5: Principles of True Repentance

"And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them." Ether 12:27

We must not lose hope

Day by day they move closer to the Lord, little realizing they are building a godlike life. They live quiet lives of goodness, service, and commitment. They are like the Lamanites, who the Lord said “were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not.” (3 Ne. 9:20; italics added.)
Chapter 5: Principles of True Repentance