Hi, I have been a member for about 6 months. I’ve been to the temple, got my patriarchal blessing and even have a calling but I have just recently began to wonder if I have really been forgiven completely. When I was in middle school (~6 years ago) my friends and I stole. We would steal little things like jewelry, bathing suits and make up. I have lost most of the stuff I stole and could never put a pin point on how much I stole or remember where from, but I am worried that in order to be forgiven for this sin I must give back all that I have taken. Is this true? Thank you for your time.
2 Responses to “Hi, I have been a member for about 6 months. I’ve been to th…”
Fernando Duarte
2011-01-02 23:28:57
Jesus Christ is central to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which bears His name.
Hi friend. Thanks for your question. The fact that you've worried about these past sins shows just how sincere your repentance and conversion have been. You're a changed person. The most important thing now is that you find spiritual peace.
In those cases where you can remember what you stole, I suggest you try your best to estimate the value, visit the store, and ask the cashier to accept the money. Perhaps it's not even necessary to explain why you're making a "donation"; just insist they take the money. Don't feel like you need to repay all these stores all at once if it's too much of a financial burden. You could even repay the money little by little. There will certainly be many stores and many items you won't remember. That's okay. Just do what you can, and I bet you'll feel a lot better.
Perhaps you'll also want to talk with your bishop about your guilty feelings. I think confession is not strictly needed in your case, since your baptism cleansed you of these prior sins, but your bishop can help you overcome your guilt and find some spiritual peace through Christ's atonement just the same.
Once you've done your best to repay the price of the items you stole and spoken with your bishop if you think it would be helpful, I suggest you put the burden of this guilt in Christ's hands and move on. You're a changed person now, a better person. You deserve the peace that comes through Jesus Christ. I'll pray for you, sister. Best of luck to you.
Anonymous
2011-01-05 05:45:29
The talk "Forgiving Oneself" by Elder Chad D. Richardson of the seventy might be helpful. Good luck!
In those cases where you can remember what you stole, I suggest you try your best to estimate the value, visit the store, and ask the cashier to accept the money. Perhaps it's not even necessary to explain why you're making a "donation"; just insist they take the money. Don't feel like you need to repay all these stores all at once if it's too much of a financial burden. You could even repay the money little by little. There will certainly be many stores and many items you won't remember. That's okay. Just do what you can, and I bet you'll feel a lot better.
Perhaps you'll also want to talk with your bishop about your guilty feelings. I think confession is not strictly needed in your case, since your baptism cleansed you of these prior sins, but your bishop can help you overcome your guilt and find some spiritual peace through Christ's atonement just the same.
Once you've done your best to repay the price of the items you stole and spoken with your bishop if you think it would be helpful, I suggest you put the burden of this guilt in Christ's hands and move on. You're a changed person now, a better person. You deserve the peace that comes through Jesus Christ. I'll pray for you, sister. Best of luck to you.