I was baptized when I was a little girl, and I was active in the church until I turned about 16 years old. After that time, I went inactive for a number of years. However, I’ve now decided to come back to the church because I feel like I need to find Christ again. I’ve spoken with my bishop about my past mistakes and have repented fully. I felt a profound peace and love in my heart when I repented, together with a lot of happiness, but I often torment myself still about my past mistakes. I feel like I can’t forgive myself. Can you help?
Jesus Christ is central to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which bears His name.
Hi sister. First off, let me congratulate for you for your decision to come back to the church and to repent of your sins. It takes courage to change the direction of one's life for the better. I'm certain God will bless you spiritually for this decision.
Sometimes we are stricter with ourselves than even God is with us. You had the courage to repent properly. You felt God's peace in your life. You are clearly forgiven.
The most central doctrine of the gospel of Jesus Christ is the atonement. We should have great faith in Christ's sacrifice for each of us. Do you believe God has power to forgive your sins, or don't you? Now is the time to exercise faith in that atonement by forgiving yourself. Of course you shouldn't forget your past sins; otherwise, you might repeat them. But you should forgive yourself.
If your feelings of unproductive guilt persist, I invite you to chat with your bishop or branch president, not because you still need to repent, but because you need to more fully feel Christ's peace in your life. God loves you so much, sister! He wants you to have that peace.
Sometimes we are stricter with ourselves than even God is with us. You had the courage to repent properly. You felt God's peace in your life. You are clearly forgiven.
The most central doctrine of the gospel of Jesus Christ is the atonement. We should have great faith in Christ's sacrifice for each of us. Do you believe God has power to forgive your sins, or don't you? Now is the time to exercise faith in that atonement by forgiving yourself. Of course you shouldn't forget your past sins; otherwise, you might repeat them. But you should forgive yourself.
If your feelings of unproductive guilt persist, I invite you to chat with your bishop or branch president, not because you still need to repent, but because you need to more fully feel Christ's peace in your life. God loves you so much, sister! He wants you to have that peace.
I hope this answer helps. I'll pray for you.