Relief Society Lesson 25 April 2010

Today our lesson in RS was taught by Sis. Carol Heintz and was based off of the Talk "Repent, That I May Heal You" given by Elder Anderson in Oct 2009.

All of us has the opportunity to feel the forgiveness, love, and comfort that comes from true repentance.
The Lord wants us to come to him and feel the loving arms of his forgiveness. (Alma 5:33)
Sis Heintz said that she has sometimes felt that the voice calling us to repentance is one of chastisement. It isn't. It is a voice of love and concern from a compassionate parent.
Repentance is a way to return to God and be more than we are...to change, to feel joy and happiness. It is a way for us to rejoice in the joy of being forgiven. Repentance brings blessings.
How do we decide where our repentance should be focused? We are able to benefit from personal revelation given through prayer, personal reflection, council of priesthood authorities.
Our repentance brings blessings to our families and those we love.

Sister Heintz told a story of her great grandfather, which I will paraphrase. He joined the church in Sweden, and decided to come to Zion. His wife was pregnant, and he was concerned for her safety during delivery crossing the plains. He talked to the captain of the wagon train, who assured him that there was a midwife traveling with them, and they would stop whenever and where ever the birth occurred. The baby was delivered and was healthy, but the family also had a sick three year old, who died 3 days after the birth. The captain of the wagon train said they had to move out of the hostile territory they were in for the safety of every one. Great grandfather became angry because he was told they would stop no matter when/where the baby was delivered. The captain was firm in his command to move to a safer location, and ordered a shallow grave dug for the three year old. Great grandfather stayed behind to dig a proper grave, asking a neighbor to give some candles to his wife and new baby. The neighbor refused, saying they couldn't spare any. Great grandfather started to become bitter towards the Mormons. When they arrived in Salt Lake, great grandfather got odd jobs, and ended up taking a job with the railroad. He went to get paid, and the forman told him he was not on the list. He ended up checking the list himself and finding his own name. He got paid, but only partly in cash. He continued to harden his heart and become bitter towards the church and Brigham Young in particular. Great grandfather ended up leaving the church. However, his wife, who endured the same trials stayed faithful and had her testimony strengthened. Their situations were exactly the same, however their attitudes made a significant difference. The same applies to repentance. You need to allow the blessings of repentance into your life. Do not harden your heart and refuse to repent, refuse to forgive yourself, refuse the Savior's atonement to apply to your life.

I pray that you all allow yourselves the blessings that come from repenting. May your hearts be lightened and your burdens reduced. Dede B.