Forgiving ourselves

Today's lesson taught us all an important principle. Forgiving ourselves is an important step in the repentance process. Holding on to sins we've repented for holds us back in our spiritual progression.

Mosiah 4:2-3
2 And they had viewed themselves in their own carnal state, even less than the dust of the earth. And they all cried aloud with one voice, saying: O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified; for we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who created heaven and earth, and all things; who shall come down among the children of men.

3 And it came to pass that after they had spoken these words the Spirit of the Lord came upon them, and they were filled with joy, having received a remission of their sins, and having peace of conscience, because of the exceeding faith which they had in Jesus Christ who should come, according to the words which king Benjamin had spoken unto them.

Repentance and forgiveness bring joy and a peace of conscience as the scripture teaches us. Sometimes it is hard to forgive ourselves. Maybe we think the sin is too bad, we're afraid, or we don't feel we have enough faith in the atonement. Whatever our reason we need to remember our Father in Heaven loves us and wants nothing more than to have us back with Him again. He has promised us that if we truly repent he will forgive us and remember our sins no more. Let us follow that example and our forgive ourselves.