Jesus Christ Is Your Strength
Lord, Abide with Me
Floyd learned how the gift of forgiveness can heal and strengthen us.
A Father’s Care, by Kelsy and Jesse Lightweave
Floyd, a young man living in Uganda, loves to break dance, develop his talents, and serve God. At age 13, Floyd faced temptation with the Word of Wisdom. Drinking coffee and tea is normal in his village, and Floyd occasionally joined in with his friends.
After talking with his parents and reading what the scriptures teach about health, he decided to follow the Word of Wisdom. With a desire to change, Floyd prayed to Heavenly Father for forgiveness. Overcoming a bad habit takes “time and effort,” he says.
Floyd finds hope through the lyrics of his favorite hymn, “Abide with Me!” (Hymns, no. 166). “It’s a hymn that strengthens our souls,” he says.
Like Floyd, we can find strength in Jesus Christ. When Christ “abides” with us, He stays with us, comforts us, and gives us hope! One way we can invite Christ to abide with us is by repenting of our sins and asking God for forgiveness.
We learn that “as oft” as we repent and seek forgiveness, with real intent, we are forgiven (Moroni 6:8). If we fall down, we can get back up and try, try, again! No giving up!
Floyd experienced the blessings of repentance and forgiveness in his life. He finds strength through Jesus Christ. “I know that He is there for us in our challenges,” he says.
The gift of forgiveness can heal and strengthen us. Christ replaces our guilt and pain with peace and joy! Next time you’re asking the Lord for forgiveness, remember He will perfectly understand you, and He will always be there for you.