Overcoming My Greatest Weakness

“I cherish the gift of repentance and seek to improve each day.”

By Elena Bunker

When I was younger, I had a big problem with lying to my parents. It started as an innocent mistake, but over the years it grew to be a really bad habit.

I lied to them almost every day about the silliest things. It got to the point where they didn’t trust me anymore. Even when I was telling the truth, they didn’t believe me. I felt very frustrated. My mom and dad had tried everything to help me stop lying, but I still couldn’t stop.

One Sunday after church, my parents sat down with me at our kitchen table. They read the Savior’s words in Ether 12:27 to me: “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.”

I had never heard a more impactful scripture. I memorized it and tried to let it change my heart.

In just a few weeks, after long hours of praying, crying, and humbling myself before God, I no longer had a problem with lying. I allowed the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ to work in my life!

Since that day five years ago, I haven’t lied to my parents once. I’m very proud of my effort. I finally chose to repent and, with Christ’s help, to change. I truly know that Jesus Christ’s “grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before [Him].”

That experience helped me gain a greater testimony of the Book of Mormon. I can testify that the scriptures are true. I invite you to seek Christ through the scriptures.

The author lives in Virginia, USA.