Counseling those who desire to or need to repent
- Do you REALLY want to be forgiven, both by the Lord and in the eyes of the Church? (Romans 1:26-27)
- Could you accept having membership privileges withdrawn, if that was deemed necessary?
- Do you feel you have been treated unfairly?
- Do you feel bitterness or resentment toward any of your Church leaders?
- Would you or have you ceased full activity in the Church?
- Will you or have you worked your way back to full fellowship in the Church?
- Would you work your way back to being baptized again, if that was necessary?
- What have you done to truly display and demonstrate a repentant attitude?
- How much were you praying before your transgression?
- How much have you prayed since your transgression and/or confession?
- Were you studying the scriptures before your transgression?
- Are you studying the scriptures now that you have confessed your transgression?
- Are you attending Church meetings now?
- Were you paying your tithing before your transgression?
- Have you been paying your tithing since your transgression?
- Have you told your wife or parents or family about your transgression?
- Have you confessed ALL of your transgressions?
- Are you humbled at this time? By force or by choice?
- Have you ‘wrestled in the Spirit’ concerning forgiveness and godly sorrow?
- Has your soul hungered for relief?
- Have you prayed ‘all day and all night’?
- How much have you fasted, specifically about being forgiven?
- How much suffering or anguish have you endured?
Do’s and Don’ts that are often involved in the repentance process:
DO’s —
- Recite the Young Women theme every day
- Read the oath of the Melchizedek Priesthood (Doctrine and Covenants 84:33-40)
- Read scriptures 30 minutes every day
- Fast regularly, fully and honestly
- Read ‘The Miracle of Forgiveness’ by President Kimball
- Read ‘Believing Christ’ by Stephen E. Robinson
- Read Alma chapters 5, 7, and 36, and Doctrine and Covenants section 19
- Talk with parents (if applicable)
- Have a weekly ‘handshake’ with your priesthood leader, look each other in the eye
- Attend ALL meetings
- Pay tithes and offerings monthly
- Minister to others
- Wear your temple garments, if appropriate and applicable
- Promise to call the bishop or stake president if temptations mount
DON’TS (circumstances vary) —
- Partake of the sacrament
- Pray or speak in church meetings
- Make comments in church classes
- Attend the temple
- Hold a calling
- Exercise the priesthood
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