Afraid of Repentance?

Jessica Zoey Strong

Church Magazines

According to President Russell M. Nelson, here’s why you shouldn’t be.

What are you afraid of? Rollercoasters? Math class? Trying to understand Isaiah?

What about repentance? If the thought of repenting makes you want to hide under your covers or eat too much chocolate, this article’s for you.

“Please do not fear or delay repenting,” President Russell M. Nelson said. And with good reason. Here are a few things that repentance is and is not, according to President Nelson.

diverse young people

Illustrations by Corey Egbert

Repentance is: For everyone.

Repentance is NOT: Only for “bad” people.

“‘Does everyone need to repent?’ The answer is yes.”

“Repentance is required of every accountable person who desires eternal glory. There are no exceptions. … Repenting is the key to progress.”

young man with oversized calendar

Repentance is: A way to improve every day.

Repentance is NOT: A rare event only for “big” sins.

“Experience the strengthening power of daily repentance—of doing and being a little better each day.

“When we choose to repent, we choose to change! We allow the Savior to transform us into the best version of ourselves. …

“… The Lord does not expect perfection from us at this point in our eternal progression. But He does expect us to become increasingly pure.”

girl and boy jumping for joy

Repentance is: A way to feel peace and joy.

Repentance is NOT: There to make you feel shame and fear.

“Repentance … is the key to happiness and peace of mind. …

“When we choose to repent, … we choose to grow spiritually and receive joy—the joy of redemption in [Jesus Christ].” (See also Alma 36:17–23.)

girl holding heart shape

Repentance is: A blessing from Heavenly Father and the Savior, who love us.

Repentance is NOT: A punishment.

“Too many people consider repentance as punishment—something to be avoided except in the most serious circumstances. But this feeling of being penalized is engendered by Satan. He tries to block us from looking to Jesus Christ, who stands with open arms, hoping and willing to heal, forgive, cleanse, strengthen, purify, and sanctify us.”

people walking toward a meetinghouse

You are: Needed in the Lord’s Church.

You are NOT: Too far gone to repent.

“If perhaps you feel you have strayed off the covenant path too far or too long, let me assure you that is not true. Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, your future can be bright—even brilliant. Speak with your parents and your bishop or branch president. … Please, come back to the joy and safety of the covenant path. We need you with us.”

young man walking with Jesus Christ

Accept God’s Perfect Gift

So, are you ready to trust the Savior to overcome your fear of repentance? You won’t regret it.

President Nelson says: “Because the world needed saving, and because you and I need saving, [Heavenly Father] sent us a Savior.

“… Let us accept God’s perfect and precious gift. Let us cast our burdens and sins at the Savior’s feet and experience the joy that comes from repentance and change.”

If you struggle to know if you’ve been forgiven after you’ve repented, read this article.

Notes

1. Russell M. Nelson, “The Power of Spiritual Momentum,” Apr. 2022 general conference (Liahona, May 2022, 98).

2. Russell M. Nelson, “We Can Do Better and Be Better,” Apr. 2019 general conference (Ensign or Liahona, May 2019, 67).

3. Russell M. Nelson, “The Power of Spiritual Momentum” (98).

4. Russell M. Nelson, “We Can Do Better and Be Better” (67–68).

5. Russell M. Nelson, “We Can Do Better and Be Better” (67).

6. Russell M. Nelson, “We Can Do Better and Be Better” (67).

7. Russell M. Nelson, in “Worldwide Day of Testimony: I Can Do All Things through Christ,” broadcasts.ChurchofJesusChrist.org.

8. Russell M. Nelson, Instagram, Dec. 24, 2021, instagram.com/russellmnelson.