May 8

How Do I Know That God Has Forgiven Me?

Exodus 35–40; Leviticus 1; 16; 19

Counsel Together

Led by a member of the quorum or class presidency; 10–20 minutes

At the beginning of the meeting, repeat together the Young Women Theme or the Aaronic Priesthood Quorum Theme. Then lead a discussion about the work of salvation and exaltation using one or more of the questions below or questions of your own (see General Handbook, 10.2, 11.2, ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Plan ways to act on what you discuss.

• Live the gospel. How can turning to the Lord help us deal with our challenges and trials?

• Care for those in need. Who do we know who needs our prayers and our friendship?

• Invite all to receive the gospel. What plans to share the gospel have been discussed in ward youth council meetings? How can our class or quorum get involved?

• Unite families for eternity. How can doing family history work strengthen our relationships with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ?

At the end of the lesson, as appropriate, do the following:

• Testify of the principles taught.

• Remind class or quorum members about the plans and invitations made during the meeting.

Teach the Doctrine

Led by an adult leader or youth; 25–35 minutes

Prepare Yourself Spiritually

People sometimes wonder if they have “done enough” to be forgiven of sins. Although it does take effort to repent, ultimately we aren’t forgiven because we complete a checklist or do certain tasks. We are forgiven as we accept the mercy offered by Jesus Christ. It is in this way that our natures can be changed.

In ancient times, the rituals and sacrifices of the law of Moses pointed the Israelites to the Savior’s Atonement. As the Lord explained in Leviticus 16:30, “On that day shall the priest make an atonement for you, to cleanse you, that ye may be clean from all your sins before the Lord.” Of course, a ritual alone cannot give us forgiveness of sin. Forgiveness comes from Jesus Christ. In our day, ordinances like baptism and the sacrament point our minds and hearts to the Savior. They help us understand that He will always forgive us as we repent.

How has Heavenly Father helped you to know you have been forgiven? You might study Mosiah 4:1–3 and President Tad R. Callister’s message “The Atonement of Jesus Christ” (Liahona, May 2019, 85–87). This message can help those you teach understand that Heavenly Father forgives us when we repent.

We are forgiven as we accept the mercy offered by Jesus Christ.

Learn Together

You might begin by displaying pictures of the Savior in Gethsemane and on the cross (see Gospel Art Book, nos. 56–57). Invite the youth to search Leviticus 1:1–9; 16:15–16, 30. Ask them to share phrases that remind them of the Savior’s Atonement. How did the sacrifices described in these verses help the Israelites look forward to the Savior’s Atonement? What helps us remember the Savior’s Atonement? What helps us feel the Savior’s love and forgiveness? The activities below can help the youth better understand that God will forgive us.

• Several people in the scriptures described the feelings they had when Heavenly Father forgave them. Your class or quorum members could read some examples (see “Supporting Resources”). Invite them to make a list of phrases from these verses that describe what it feels like to be forgiven. You might ask them to express in their own words what forgiveness feels like to them. What can we learn about God from these feelings? Perhaps you could share your own feelings about forgiveness.

• Sometimes people aren’t sure they have been forgiven because they aren’t sure they have truly repented. Elder Dale G. Renlund’s message “Repentance: A Joyful Choice” explains how to truly repent and receive God’s forgiveness (Liahona, Nov. 2016, 121–24). You could write on the board the headings Real Repentance and Things That Get in the Way of Repentance. Ask those you teach to find teachings in the message that belong under the headings. What do we learn about the Savior and His forgiveness from the last three paragraphs of this message?

• Some people may have repented but don’t feel forgiven. This may be because they haven’t been able to forgive themselves. The counsel in President Tad R. Callister’s message “The Atonement of Jesus Christ” could help them. Your class or quorum could read the section that begins with “2. Sin.” Ask them to find counsel they could share with a friend or family member who still feels guilty even after repenting. Provide time for the youth to share their feelings about the Savior, who made it possible for us to repent and be forgiven.

Act in Faith

Encourage class or quorum members to ponder and record what they will do to act on the impressions they received today. If they would like, they could share their ideas. Invite them to think about how acting on their impressions will strengthen their relationships with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

Supporting Resources

• Enos 1:1–8; Mosiah 4:1–3; Alma 24:7–10; 36:17–21 (How people felt when they were forgiven)

• Isaiah 1:18; Mosiah 26:30; Moroni 6:8; Doctrine and Covenants 58:42–43; 64:10 (The Lord promises to forgive us)

• Russell M. Nelson, “We Can Do Better and Be Better,” Liahona, May 2019, 67–69

• Craig A. Cardon, “The Savior Wants to Forgive,” Liahona, May 2013, 15–18

Teaching in the Savior’s Way

The Savior has taught us to use the scriptures to find answers to our own questions. How can you help those you teach desire to turn to the scriptures and the words of the prophets as they seek answers?