Why is it mandatory to confess to the bishop/branch pres after breaking the law of chastity? What will happen to me if I only repent to God and I don’t talk to my branch pres about it?
I’m 21 and I broke the law of chastity a few times with a guy friend of mine. I want to fully repent and be clean but I just don’t know how. I can repent to God but I’m too embarrassed to speak with the branch pres. I go to a small branch and he knows me well. He knows I wasn’t dating anyone and I feel like that makes me look even worse… I don’t want him to think badly of me. I also don’t want my family finding out. If I stop taking the sacrament my family will know something is wrong.
Is it really important to confess to a bishop or can it just be between God and I? What should I do?
2 Responses to “Why is it mandatory to confess to the bishop/branch pres…”
Manuel Castro
2015-01-12 00:50:38
A life of sin can be cleansed and changed through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Hi sister. It's excellent you want to repent. Breaking the law of chastity is a serious sin. Confessing to the bishop or branch president really is critical in these cases. He'll help you apply Christ's atonement in your life.
Keep in mind that bishops and branch presidents receive confessions all the time. He'll be sad to learn that you're going through hard times, but he probably won't be as shocked as you imagine. We regular members don't always realize it, but there's a whole lot more human drama in our congregations than we ever notice. A bishop or branch president knows, though. He'll be understanding and supportive.
It's very important to not let comparably small things get in the way of things that are more crucial. Concerns about the opinions of others are of course natural, but these pale in comparison to the need for repentance. It would be a great mistake to delay your repentance because of these kinds of worries.
I love what Isaiah said about repentance: "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool" (Isaiah 1:18). I know the miracle of Christ's atonement can spiritually heal you as well. Best of luck to you.
Grandpa Chet
2015-01-13 07:39:59
Brother E. S. G. Has given you good advice, as have scriptures and various talks you've heard in the past.
All I can do is quote a singles' branch president, who came into a stake council meeting crying his eyes out, telling us:
"I just met with a member who is repenting. She said she would give all she has to know the Lord Jesus Christ. She's just like King Lamoni's father."
Keep in mind that bishops and branch presidents receive confessions all the time. He'll be sad to learn that you're going through hard times, but he probably won't be as shocked as you imagine. We regular members don't always realize it, but there's a whole lot more human drama in our congregations than we ever notice. A bishop or branch president knows, though. He'll be understanding and supportive.
It's very important to not let comparably small things get in the way of things that are more crucial. Concerns about the opinions of others are of course natural, but these pale in comparison to the need for repentance. It would be a great mistake to delay your repentance because of these kinds of worries.
I love what Isaiah said about repentance: "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool" (Isaiah 1:18). I know the miracle of Christ's atonement can spiritually heal you as well. Best of luck to you.
All I can do is quote a singles' branch president, who came into a stake council meeting crying his eyes out, telling us:
"I just met with a member who is repenting. She said she would give all she has to know the Lord Jesus Christ. She's just like King Lamoni's father."