I’m not a member, however I do want to repent. I hold regret and guilt that now is overflowing. Years ago I committed a great sin and broke my Chastity from pressure and fear. I want to do what’s right but I don’t belong to a Church and my family aren’t members and hold negative feelings towards the LDS church. My boyfriend is a member and has shared with me his struggle in recovery of pornography addiction which has inspired me to do the same (though he still has his chastity). I’m scared of losing him if I tell him what I had done and I’m scared of what will happen if I take action and lose my family. What should I do and what can I do? (I would like to withhold my email from Missionaries and wait for a better time in the future when I can support myself away from my family. Thank you)
One Response to “I’m not a member, however I do want to repent. I hold…”
Fernando Campos
2018-10-14 11:03:33
A life of sin can be cleansed and changed through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Hi Anonymous. Much thanks for your interesting question. It's excellent that you want to repent, and it's excellent that you support your boyfriend in his recovery. Supporting relationships like these really are critical. I'm happy that you have each other and that you're trying to do what's right.
I encourage you, too, to chat with your local bishop. He'll be happy to help you apply Christ's atonement in your life. You don't need to be a member of the church to take advantage of his help. You can learn the address of the chapel nearest you house online.
Since it's challenging for you to go to church now, I also encourage you to do all you can to cultivate your testimony on your own. Aside from chatting with your boyfriend, I also encourage you to visit church sites that could help you. Here a list, in case it helps:
Hopefully when the time comes you'll be able to join the church. Being a member of this church has been such a spiritual blessing in my life. I hope you one day find the same peace as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints.
I wrote an article a while back about repentance that might help you. I encourage you to read it: https://www.allaboutmormons.com/Blog/serious-sin-repentance
I encourage you, too, to chat with your local bishop. He'll be happy to help you apply Christ's atonement in your life. You don't need to be a member of the church to take advantage of his help. You can learn the address of the chapel nearest you house online.
Since it's challenging for you to go to church now, I also encourage you to do all you can to cultivate your testimony on your own. Aside from chatting with your boyfriend, I also encourage you to visit church sites that could help you. Here a list, in case it helps:
- The official LDS webpage for thought who want to learn more about the Church
- The official LDS webpage for members of the church
- The scriptures online
- The Ensign, one of the Church's official magazines
- The New Era, an LDS magazine for young people
- The official LDS Sunday-school manuals
Hopefully when the time comes you'll be able to join the church. Being a member of this church has been such a spiritual blessing in my life. I hope you one day find the same peace as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints.Let me know how things go! I love to hear stories with happy endings. :)