You don’t have to be perfect to be worthy!

Scriptures teach us that we shouldn’t do some things—like partake of the sacrament—if we’re not worthy.¹

And one of the temple recommend questions asks if we feel worthy to enter the House of the Lord.²

But are we worthy if we still make mistakes?

Brother Bradley R. Wilcox, a member of the Young Men General Presidency, once taught about this in conference.

His message—applicable to everyone but aimed especially at young men and young women—was this: “Worthiness is not flawlessness. Worthiness is being honest and trying.”

He told the story of a young man who couldn’t seem to break his pornography habit. This youth felt unworthy of God’s love every time he slipped up. He felt like a hypocrite.

Fortunately, this young man’s priesthood leader was wise and told him, “Being honest about your actions and taking steps to move forward is not being a hypocrite. It is being a disciple.”³

We all struggle with things. Heavenly Father doesn’t expect us to be perfect now! He only expects us to keep trying to improve.

Check out Brother Wilcox’s talk, and let the Holy Ghost help you feel God’s love.

Note

1. See Mormon 9:29.
2. See question #16 from 26.3.3.1 in the General Handbook.
3. From “Worthiness Is Not Flawlessness,” general conference, Oct. 2021.