Good day! As I wrote before, I wanted to make a decision, and I’ve made it! I’m going to join the LDS Church. My decision is more than just following a religion; it’s to follow Christ. One of the teachings of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that caught my attention is that we should serve God with our whole body, mind, and soul. I’ve learned that if someone has problems with sin, they can talk with their bishop. The confession is seen as a help, a counsel. I want to ask a question on behalf of a friend of mine who is also interested in the church, but she’s afraid to confess certain sins to her bishop. I think many people feel that way. I wanted to ask you in private because I don’t want people to get the wrong idea about Mormons. Thanks for your help.
One Response to “Good day! As I wrote before, I wanted to make a decision, an…”
Leonardo Miranda
2010-02-13 06:43:34
Hi Walther. It was good to hear from you again! I'm very happy that you've made the decision to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints! I pray that you'll find the same blessings in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ that I've found.
One of the signs of a true disciple of Jesus Christ is the desire to help others. I'm happy to learn that you're already reaching out to other people to try to help them with their spiritual development. When we help others in this way, we can truly be the hands of Christ working miracles in the lives of others.
A missionary hugging a bishop in Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil.
Many people, like your friend, are reluctant to confess their serious sins privately to their bishop or branch president. This reluctance is, as you said, quite understandable. However, confession can bring tremendous spiritual peace. It's kind of like a vaccination; it may hurt a bit as the needle goes in, but better health always follows. Confession brings spiritual health to those who are spiritually sick from their sins. When sins are confessed, spiritual pain can be replaced with peace. We can finally put our sins behind us thanks to the atonement of Jesus Christ.
Your friend is certainly welcome to speak with her bishop or branch president if she thinks it will help her obtain this important spiritual peace. However, converts typically confess their sins prior to baptism during a baptismal interview. This way, the convert is well prepared to begin his or her new life as a member of Christ's church.
You mentioned that you have some additional information that you'd like to share in private. Please feel free to e-mail me with any additional details. I'm happy to help.
Congratulations again on your decision to become a member of the church! May God bless you as you continue this important spiritual journey.
One of the signs of a true disciple of Jesus Christ is the desire to help others. I'm happy to learn that you're already reaching out to other people to try to help them with their spiritual development. When we help others in this way, we can truly be the hands of Christ working miracles in the lives of others.
Your friend is certainly welcome to speak with her bishop or branch president if she thinks it will help her obtain this important spiritual peace. However, converts typically confess their sins prior to baptism during a baptismal interview. This way, the convert is well prepared to begin his or her new life as a member of Christ's church.
You mentioned that you have some additional information that you'd like to share in private. Please feel free to e-mail me with any additional details. I'm happy to help.
Congratulations again on your decision to become a member of the church! May God bless you as you continue this important spiritual journey.