6 Major Steps of Repentance

Repentance is the second principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ and is extremely important and is how we show faith in Jesus Christ. Follow these six steps of repentance and receive forgiveness.

1. FEEL GODLY SORROW

Recognizing that you have committed a sin against Heavenly Father’s commandments is one of the steps of repentance. You must feel true godly sorrow for what you have done and for disobeying Heavenly Father.

This includes feeling sorrow for any pain you may have caused toward other people
Godly sorrow is different than worldly sorrow. When you truly feel godly sorrow, you work toward repentance. Worldly sorrow is simply regret that does not make you want to repent.

2. CONFESS TO GOD

There is a simple test to know if you have repented of your sins. If you confess them and forsake them, then you have repented.

Some sins only need to be confessed to Heavenly Father. This can be done through prayer. Pray to Heavenly Father and be honest with Him.

More serious sins may require you to confess to your local LDS bishop. This requirement is not set up to frighten you. If you have committed a serious sin, one that can result in excommunication, you will need help repenting.

3. Ask for Forgiveness

If you have sinned, you must ask for forgiveness.Forgiveness is one of the steps to repentance. This could include a number of people. You must ask Heavenly Father, anyone you have offended in any way, as well as yourself for forgiveness.

Obviously, asking forgiveness from Heavenly Father must be done through prayer. Asking others for forgiveness may ultimately be much harder. You must also forgive others for hurting you. This is tough, but doing so will foster humility in you.

In the end, you must forgive yourself and know that God loves you, even though you have have sinned.

4. RECTIFY PROBLEMS CAUSED BY THE SIN(S)

Making restitution is part of the forgiveness process. If you did wrong or made something wrong, you must try to set it right.

Make restitution by fixing any problems caused by your sin. Problems caused by sin include physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual damage. If you cannot rectify the problem, sincerely ask forgiveness of those wronged and try to find another way to show your change of heart.

Some of the most serious sins such as sexual sin or murder, cannot be made right. It is impossible to restore what is lost. However, we must do the very best we can, despite the obstacles.

5. FORSAKE SIN

Make a promise to God that you will never repeat the sin. Make a promise to yourself that you will never repeat the sin.

If you feel comfortable doing so, make a promise to others that you will never repeat the sin. However, only do so if it is appropriate. This could include friends or family members or your bishop. Support from appropriate others could help to strengthen you and help you keep your resolve.

Recommit yourself to obeying God’s commandments. Continue to repent if you sin again.

6. RECEIVE FORGIVENESS

Scripture tells us that if we repent of our sins, Heavenly Father will forgive us.
What is more, He promises us He will not remember them.

Through Christ’s Atonement we are able to repent and be cleansed from our sins. We can not only be clean again, we can feel clean. Fulfilling the repentance process cleanses us of our sins.

Each of us can be forgiven and receive peace. We all can feel the glorious feeling of peace that comes with sincere repentance.

The Lord will forgive you when you truly repent with a sincere heart. Allow his forgiveness to come upon you. When you feel at peace with yourself, you can know you are forgiven.

Do not hold onto your sin and the sorrow you have felt. Let it go by truly forgiving yourself, just as the Lord has forgiven you.