Repentance is a powerful balm we can access when we need to turn away from sin and come back to the light. 

Heavenly Father, in His profound love, offers repentance as a path to relief and renewal. Through Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, we can acknowledge our mistakes and be freed from their burden. This act of grace allows us to embrace forgiveness and find peace, guiding us back to divine love and happiness.

“But, repentance is hard. I want to feel God’s love again, but how can I do that when I have sinned so much, and I’m terrified I can’t be forgiven anymore?” 

Have you ever felt this way about repentance? 

Even though repentance is a beautiful gift from a loving Heavenly Father, the thought of going through the repentance process can be challenging and overwhelming for some. 

Apart from the commitment and the effort we need to put into asking God for forgiveness, we also have to deal with the fears that come with repentance. 

How do we overcome these fears? And how do we find the strength to continue even if repentance is hard? 

The Road to Repentance is Hard Because It Requires Effort

Repentance is like going back up after slipping downhill during a hike. 

The slip brings you down fast, but the hike back up – where you get to see stunning views and the majestic skies – requires double the effort. 

Just like sliding down the hill, falling into sin is easy. 

Getting back up through repentance takes great courage, strength, humility, tears, and perseverance.  

Because true repentance will cause us a “mighty change of heart,” it will ask us to make mighty efforts. Repentance will change us, but before we experience this change, we must work. 

Repentance is Hard Because Satan Works to Make It Harder

Our Heavenly Father absolutely understands that repentance is not easy, but He also knows that forgiveness for our sins is possible. 

Satan, however, wants to flip the truth. 

Another reason why repentance is hard is because Satan – the great adversary – wants us to believe it is so much more complicated. 

He whispers lies telling us “Why do you need to repent? You’ve sinned so much.” 

“You’re a lost case.” 

“You aren’t even a good person.” 

Satan wants us to doubt the Lord’s capacity to hear us, forgive us, and see us for who we are beyond the mistakes we have committed. 

And he is committed to doing that because he “for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself” 

Without repentance, we fall into misery. 

And one of the most potent ways that Satan stops us from really repenting is by instilling fear in our minds. These fears are – in reality – built on lies. 

8 Fears That Makes Repentance Hard

Fear #1: God Won’t Listen to Me Anymore

Finding hope for forgiveness becomes difficult when we feel that Heavenly Father has turned His back on us because of our mistakes. 

Unintentionally, we begin to see Him as this boss we need to please rather than a loving Father in Heaven who has been waiting for us to come back to Him. 

Just like the Father in the Story of the Prodigal Son, Heavenly Father is eagerly waiting, and looking forward to our return! All we need to do is take the first step. 

Fear #2: God Sees My Sin, So I Don’t Think He’ll Find Hope in Me

When discussing second chances, it’s best to remember the story of Saul, who later became Paul. As a stalwart persecutor of Christ’s believers, Saul had done seemingly unforgivable things. 

But the Lord sees differently. When talking to Ananias in a vision, He reminded the man that Saul – despite His mistakes – was still a chosen vessel to Him. 

He saw beyond Saul’s mistakes. He can see beyond ours. 

Fear #3: Repentance is Hard Because God Has Ran Out of Patience for Me

God’s forgiveness is infinite. But He does expect us to forsake our sins. Some of us can do it immediately, while others might take a while to reach their goal. 

The blessing of repentance is that it’s available for those who choose to repent, even through small, simple steps. 

God knows that in our journey toward becoming better, there will still be moments when we will fall short. The principle of repentance is a constant reminder that no failure ever needs to be final because the chance to start again is always there. 

Fear #4: I’ve Traveled So Far From God’s Light

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, an Apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, worded this comforting process beautifully: 

“But however late you think you are, however many chances you think you have missed, however many mistakes you feel you have made or talents you think you don’t have, or however far from home and family and God you feel you have traveled, I testify that you have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love. It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ’s Atonement shines.” 

Satan works twice as hard to make us believe that we have become so bad, so unworthy, and so undeserving of God’s forgiveness. However, if we only listen again to our Father in Heaven, we will know that even before we step back into the light, God already has His hands outstretched.

Fear #5: I’m Going to Do It Again

The fear of repeating sins can be daunting. Yet, remember, repentance is a journey, not a one-time act. God’s mercy is boundless; He welcomes our sincere efforts to change, no matter how often we falter. His grace empowers us, turning our fears into stepping stones for growth. Embrace this continuous path with hope, knowing that each step towards repentance is a step closer to divine love and transformation.

Fear #6: People Will Know and They Will Talk

One common fear is the worry about others discovering our transgressions and the subsequent judgment that may follow. 

This fear can be paralyzing, causing us to shy away from seeking forgiveness. 

However, it’s essential to remember that repentance is a personal journey between you and God. 

The opinions of others, while they may seem daunting, hold no power over God’s infinite mercy and love.

Fear #7: I’m Scared of Facing My Mistakes

Confronting our past actions can be incredibly painful. 

The guilt and shame associated with acknowledging our wrongdoings often deter us from repentance. 

Yet, facing our mistakes is a crucial step towards healing and growth. It’s about understanding the impact of our actions and developing a genuine desire to change. 

Remember, this fear is a sign of your conscience at work, indicating that you can choose better and, therefore, the potential for real, profound change.

Fear #8: Fear of the Next Steps

The uncertainty of what lies ahead can make the journey of repentance seem overwhelming. 

Questions like “What if I can’t change?” or “What if I fail again?” may cloud your mind. 

But the beauty of repentance lies in the process itself – it’s a step-by-step journey, not a sudden leap to perfection. 

Embrace each step with faith, knowing that with the Atonement, you are never alone. Each effort, no matter how small, is significant in the eyes of God.

3 Ways to Find Strength to Repent When You Have a Hard Time Repenting

#1: Trust in the Knowledge That God Wants You to Repent

Why did God send Noah, Moses, and even Jesus Christ to the world? One of their biggest callings was to call people to repentance. 

Because in truth, no matter how dark our choices have been, God wants us to repent, to change, to come back to Him and feel the happiness of choosing Him once again. 

#2: Know That The Atonement Makes Repentance Absolutely Possible

One of the most beautiful verses in the Bible can be found in Isaiah 1:18. It talks about the promise that even though our “sins be as scarlet, it shall be as white as snow.” 

How is this even possible? It is all because of the Atonement. 

Christ died for us, so we can always, always go back to our Heavenly Father. His Atonement makes repentance a gift, not a punishment. 

#3: Ask for Guidance from Heavenly Father

Humbly ask for help from our Heavenly Father. He will lead you to the right people, give you the strength to face your mistakes and persevere no matter how hard repentance gets, and help you feel His love as you go through repentance. 

Receiving help from the heavens can sustain us when people talk, when the steps become difficult, and when we stumble along the way. 

You Can Repent No Matter How Hard It Is

Contrary to the lies of Satan, repentance is the better choice. Although it is hard, it is – ultimately – the only sure way to happiness in this life and in the life to come. 

If you have questions about repentance, we’re here to help. You can talk to us by sending us a message on our social media channels or by contacting us here.

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Saying “sorry” is only the beginning. Apologizing is just the start of the process of restitution. Whether it is at restitution of trust, stolen things or stolen time – it is only the first step of many.

Apologize ASAP

Whether you are at fault or not, take the initiative to apologize first and apologize quickly. Relationships become strained when late apologies are common. Don’t be afraid to say sorry because you are too occupied with looking for the perfect words. Look people in the eye and acknowledge your mistake. In simple words, say why you are apologizing and do so calmly, perhaps after taking a few deep breaths.

Validate Others’ Emotions

In the rush to gain back favor from people, it is usual to say something like, “Don’t make a big deal out of it,” or “Just forget it! It’s nothing…” Yes, taking offense is a choice; but to fully dismiss that you have hurt someone by telling them to forget what they are going through, is like rubbing salt in the wound. We are human and being such we sometimes feel hurt, betrayal, offense, and many others. I don’t think feeling these things is wrong. It is natural. We need to acknowledge that. The Savior has felt all of these emotions as well. He felt pain and wept when He knew that his friend, Lazarus, had died. (John 11:35) He must have been very frustrated when He saw that the Temple had been made into “a house of merchandise”. (John 2:13-16) Even the Son of God went through all these human emotions, for that is how He is able to understand and succor us. Must we not acknowledge those same emotions in the people we are dealing with especially among those that we have offended? “The son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than He?” (Doctrine & Covenants 122:8)

Consistent Effort

Strive to mend broken relationships and strengthen them continuously. Make apologies an opportunity to give true sincerity instead of just taking forgiveness. It doesn’t matter how long it takes, keep working on your relationships. Investing in human connections empowers us to repair lives. It empowers us to repair the world. No effort is ever wasted. When we sincerely  acknowledge our mistakes, saying “sorry” is more meaningful. Showing remorse and empathy makes saying “sorry” more acceptable. Working hard to restore of what has been lost – may it be good reputation, material things, or confidence – makes saying “sorry” more active and effective.

There is beauty in apologies. In our quest to be forgiven and make things alright again, we find ourselves changed. That is where the power lies. For it doesn’t just make the offended one feel better, it makes the offender become a better person. It is a refining process through which the natural tendencies of man are replaced by heavenly virtues. So we see, saying “sorry” is never enough, but it is a very good place to start.

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Stefanie is a young woman of incredible humor. She loves to laugh, she enjoys making other people happy. In fact, in her yearbook, her classmates dubbed her as the beautiful class clown. When you’re with Stef, there is no dull moment. The happy view she has of life is contagious.

However, Stef wasn’t that bubbly girl anymore when she sat down with me one day. With tears in her eyes, she confided in me that she had broken a commandment she had known since she was a child. With a voice of resignation, Stef said: “I feel like it’s too late for me to come back to the Lord. To be honest, it seems like my chance to change has been used up. I don’t think any repentance can bring back my confidence.”  

You can imagine how heartbreaking it was for me to see one of the young women I love and admire sink into hopelessness and desperation. With an aching heart that reached out to her, I lovingly told her that her chance to change isn’t used up yet, none of ours are. For every Stefanie out there, for everyone who feels that they’re too late, and that all hope is lost for them—it isn’t.

When God the Father presented the Plan of Salvation, all His children were there. You and I were there. He explained “all about earth and eternal salvation for man.” Since the Father knew that earth life wouldn’t be easy or free from trials and temptations, He sent a Savior in the personage of Jesus Christ. Father knew exactly that although we would know right from wrong, we would still make unwise decisions.

In this world we are subject to Satan’s temptations, and give in at times. But not only are we susceptible to his cunning enticements, we are also a target for his lies. And one of the greatest lies he could ever whisper to our minds is this:  that we can no longer repent and come back to the presence of the Father.

Like Stefanie, when one commits a serious sin, the first question that they often feel to ask is, “How can I possibly get out of this predicament?” This question is followed by desperate inquiries as to whether there is still a chance to change, if there is a way to combat the shame, or if they could ever be forgiven. Satan grabs the opportunity to whisper lies like “It’s too late for you to change” or “You are already so deep in sin, what makes you think that you can be forgiven?” Undoubtedly, these are some of the worst lies you can listen to. Those who succumb to these deceptions often lose hope of changing, or repentance and continue in sin.

But the Lord’s encouragement is the complete opposite of Satan’s lies; He invites us to come back to His presence so He can heal us. One example of this is when Christ visited the Nephites. Before His coming, wickedness was rampant among the Nephites. Murder, corruption, and pride were all over. When Christ came, He asks them:

“…will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?” (3 Nephi 9:13)

Contrary to Satan’s lies, it is the Savior’s desire for us to change and come back to Him. This was lovingly illustrated in the parable of the prodigal son taught by the Savior Himself. Despite the son’s transgressions (and they were heavy ones), the Father still welcomed his long-lost child with open arms and a heart full of happiness and love.

When our hearts are full of guilt, we are especially vulnerable to Satan’s deceptions. After disappointing the Lord, it is difficult to kneel down once again and ask for forgiveness. The guilt, the regret, and the fear that we have already sinned too much can weigh us down. However, this beautiful quote from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland that inspiration to doubtful souls:

“…however late you think you are, however many chances you think you have missed, however many mistakes you feel you have made or talents you think you don’t have, or however far from home and family and God you feel you have traveled, I testify that you have not traveled beyond the reach of divine love. It is not possible for you to sink lower than the infinite light of Christ’s atonement shines.”

What a beautiful message especially for those who feel they’re too late. To Stefanie and to others who feel that it’s no longer worth it, listen more to the voice of the Savior inviting you to come back to Him. There is nothing else that He wants for you than to see you freed from the burden of guilt and regret. He wants you to change and heal. Listen to His voice.

This new year, may we all find the courage, the faith, and the testimony of the Atonement to help us come back to the Lord’s open arms. There will always be a chance to change waiting for us. I know the Lord loves us and He wants us back. Let us trust that love more than Satan’s lies.

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We hear this all the time. After seeking and receiving forgiveness from God and ourselves for our past sins or transgressions, we are counseled that we must forget them. But do we really forget them, the way we forget where we placed our car keys the other night? No. We cannot actually forget unless we are suffering from a medical condition that makes it possible to do so. Then what does forgetting really mean?

Forgetting past sins and transgressions means forgetting the pain and guilt we have felt and not letting them have any power over us. Sometimes we tend to look back and ask ourselves why did we do such a terrible thing, when we knew it was wrong. But we must not continue asking ourselves these questions because we cannot undo the past. Dwelling on our past only stagnates our progress and cripples our hopes for brighter days to come. Forgetting means letting go of the past and moving forward with a renewed commitment to follow God’s commandments. It also means turning away from the thought that Satan has power over us because we have sinned.

How then do we forget our past sins or transgressions? When the prophet Enos prayed mightily and sought for a remission of his sins, God forgave him and his guilt was “swept away” because of his faith on the Lord Jesus Christ. We too, like Enos, can be cleansed from our sins or transgressions if we call upon the Lord and access the powers of His Atonement to heal our wounds and soothe our conscience. If we rely on the tender mercies of the Lord, we, like Alma the Younger, will also be able to declare that we can “remember [our] pains no more”.

While some might have forgotten the pain and guilt from past sins and transgressions, some of us might still remember them. We must know that still regretting them does not mean that we have not fully repented or we are not worthy to receive forgiveness. Perhaps it is God’s way of warning us to not commit that sin or transgression again, by reminding us of the pain and misery it can bring to our lives. It is a spiritual trigger that stops us when we think of disobeying the commandments of God. The memory of our pain and guilt is meant to protect us from going down the path of disobedience.

Furthermore, the memory of our pain and guilt does not mean that we have not been forgiven. If we feel the Spirit back in our lives, we have been forgiven or are in the process of cleansing. When we are forgiven and cleansed, the Spirit can sanctify our souls and there can be no greater testimony of forgiveness than that.

The possibility of physically forgetting past sins and transgressions, if any, is likely very minimal. But these memories from our past can become something much more as we take important lessons we learned from the experience and ensure that we stand guard and don’t make the same mistakes again. It also can become a sweet memory of the mercy and forgiveness of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, as well as the love and support of our family and friends when we were down with grief and pain. Ultimately, it can be a powerful testimony of the power of the Atonement in repairing one’s heart that has been broken by the deep hollows of sin or transgression.

As we try to forgive ourselves and forget the pain and guilt we have felt, our faith in the Lord and His Atonement will increase and our capacity to embrace our divine nature will be enlarged.

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Many of us have experienced the pain of being offended or hurt by the people around us. It is harder to accept when it’s the people we love that cause our sadness. As far as I know, forgiving someone is one of the most difficult things a person could ever do. But why is it hard to forgive?

I recall a story of a young single adult who once fell in love and trusted someone. She did her very best to be worthy for the love of that man. She started developing home-making skills, stayed active in the church and even served as a full time missionary. She would talk about her greatest experience in the mission. She did her best to be faithful and loyal to the Lord’s service. She promised that she would put all her energy and effort in helping others learn the gospel. After her full time service for 18 months, she lost the man she loved the most. He told her that their relationship wouldn’t work anymore.

At that time, it was very difficult for her to accept his apology. She even asked him, “Why did you do this to me? Am I not good enough for you?” But he never gave her any specific answer. The only thing she can remember that day was how sorry he was for everything. Most of us need space or time to move on, but for her she forgave him just before they parted ways. She didn’t get any answer from him but she knew that there were reasons why it happened. She did her part to move on with her life. As time passed, she met another guy who later became her fiancé. Their relationship was not easy, lots of fight happened. Simple things became big issues for her. She feared getting hurt again. She was afraid to give her trust because the relationship might just fail again. She became defensive every time. The date of their wedding was getting closer and one night they had a big fight. She said some things that really hurt his feelings. The next day, they had a long talk. She recalled what her fiancé said, “I know you don’t like this either. I know you dream of a happy family. But I can’t give you that until you forgive me of my shortcomings. I truly love you and I want to be with you forever. I want you to be sure for yourself that this is what you want.”

Her answer didn’t come right away but it made her realize that there was something wrong. She pondered, read the scripture, went to the temple and even asked advice from her parents. She found out that she hasn’t really forgiven her past. She forgot to forgive herself from the past failed relationship. Her mom shared a scripture which says, “charity is the pure love of Christ, it is kind, envieth not, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, beareth all things, believe in all things, hope all things and endureth all things.” She tried to have some closure with her previous boyfriend but she didn’t get a chance. She prayed to Heavenly Father to help her forgive the man who hurt her so much. The next time that she and her fiancé met she asked for an apology and she told him that she’s now ready for everything and for their wedding. They had a beautiful and simple wedding. I remember the time we met and I asked her what greatest blessing she received after that. I was expecting that she would say that it was her husband but it surprised me when she said, “Peace and freedom. It was an unforgettable experience as I said “yes” at the altar. That time it felt like I was born again. It was my greatest victory after all.”

Her story helps me realize that forgiving is not just saying sorry or simply accepting an apology but it is more from deep within. When you forgive, it’s important to learn how to let go, to accept and to start again. Forgiving others will open your way to other opportunities to learn, to serve and to love. I am deeply grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ which helps me live and look forward to eternity. It is sweet to forgive, to forget and to learn from it.

[author][author_image timthumb=’on’]http://faith.ph/files/2016/03/Belle-Alcibor-e1457617498998.png[/author_image]

[author_info]I am a mother. I love sports and music. I express myself most of the time in writing and singing. I like sharing my opinions and I love being a Mormon. – Belle Alcibor

[/author_info] [/author]

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