Repentance

  The second principle of the gospel is repentance. Repentance is much more than just acknowledging our wrongdoings. To repent is to change our thoughts, beliefs, and actions that are not in harmony with Christ's will. It is a change of mind and heart that includes turning away from sin and turning to God for forgiveness. Repentance should be motivated by our love for our Heavenly Father and the sincere desire to obey His commandments.  

  The scriptures make it very clear that “no unclean thing can inherit the kingdom of heaven” (Alma 11:37). Our sins make us unclean, and therefore make us unworthy to return and dwell in the presence of our Heavenly Father. They also bring unhappiness and anguish to our lives.

"Lost No More" by Greg Olsen

Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, our Father in Heaven has provided the only way for us to be forgiven of our sins. Jesus Christ suffered the penalty for our sins so we can be forgiven if we sincerely repent. As we repent and rely on His saving grace and mercy, we will be cleansed from sin. 

 Repentance is a process that we all must go through - no matter how big or small the sin may be. However, true repentance always leads to forgiveness and lasting peace. Through the prophet Isaiah, the Lord declared, “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). In this dispensation the Lord has promised, “He who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more” (D&C 58:42).  

  The first step of repentance is to recognize that we have done is wrong. Then we must truly feel remorse or "godly sorrow" for that sin. Next, we must confess our sin to our Heavenly Father and ask God in sincere prayer to forgive us for our shortcomings and our sins. After that, we must do all we can to correct the problems that our actions may have caused; this is called restitution. Following restitution, we must forsake that particular sin (or sins). We must turn away from that sin (or sins) and do them no more. Lastly, we must commit ourselves to continual righteous living. It is not enough to simply try to resist evil or empty our lives of sin. We must fill our lives with righteousness and engage in activities that bring spiritual power. We must immerse ourselves in the scriptures and pray daily for the Lord to give us strength beyond our own. At times, we should fast for special blessings.
 Sincere repentance brings many positive results. As we repent of our sins on a daily basis, we will see our lives change for the better and we will be more happy. Our desire to follow Heavenly Father will grow stronger. We will feel peace in our lives and won't be weighed down with guilt and shame. We will be more receptive to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and will feel the Spirit's comforting presence. 
  I have a strong testimony that repentance is real and it is powerful. Our Savior Jesus Christ has already payed the price for us! Let us all learn all we can about the Savior's atoning sacrifice and apply it's healing power in our lives. 
  "For your peace now and for everlasting happiness, please repent. Open your heart to the Lord and ask Him to help you. You will earn the blessing of forgiveness, peace, and the knowledge you have been purified and made whole. Find the courage to ask the Lord for strength to repent, now." - Elder Richard G. Scott