28 May 2011
Every time that you begin to teach someone, you are asking him to begin a process of repentance. Repentance is very powerful, but it begins with small and simple things. For example, when an investigator begins attending church, this is an act of repentance. To leave one’s normal Sunday activities and focus on worshipping God the Eternal Father is a change of life, of viewpoint, of heart.
We have said many times that repentance is not what you do; it is what you are. You and I leave behind temptations every day. Is this repentance? Yes, it is. That is an act of submitting oneself to the will of God. It is born in the love that we have for the Lord.
While we are living a life of repentance, love for oneself develops. With this love inside, we can begin to love others, our family, our neighbors, our companions.
I want to tell you a story. I am not in the position to tell you everything because of private conversations, but I will tell you the following.
Elder Eugenio Vazquez returned from the Mexico City East Mission in September of 2010. His father was not a member of the Church. The family had been having problems. There was not much love in the home. The young man talked a lot with his dad and invited the missionaries to visit with him. They taught him the gospel. He began to accept the teachings, but he had to turn his heart to the Lord, just like your own investigators. He had to repent. It was a battle between him and his past. After several months, he was worthy and ready. His son baptized him this afternoon. You can see the smiles on the father and the son. His wife is in the yellow blouse with her son on her right hand. Repentance really does work.
I repent every day, many times. My wife is very loving to forgive me of my shortcomings. She has always been that way. The Lord has patience with me. I know that and I am very grateful.
You also need to repent regularly, and also to forgive others. Forget your grudges. What good does it do to remember the bad when there is so much good? Let us permit the Lord to be the judge and let’s repent every day.
Con amor,
Pdte. Hansen
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