repentance before baptism

[jellybelly]

I had a question or two on the process of repentance before baptism.

I was sexually active before my joining the church, and I did not understand the repentance process. I did not repent, which made it so much easier to struggle afterwards.

I was not sure whether my not repenting before baptism even made a difference, I have not found anything about it anywhere.

Would love your opinions/knowledge on the subject.

Thanks!

[pam]

The question really is whether you continued the pattern after you got baptized. If not, then I wouldn't be too overly concerned. When you got baptized all sins were washed away and you started fresh and new.

People have a harder time forgiving themselves than receiving forgiveness from the Lord.

[Bensalem]

The question really is whether you continued the pattern after you got baptized. If not, then I wouldn't be too overly concerned. When you got baptized all sins were washed away and you started fresh and new.

People have a harder time forgiving themselves than receiving forgiveness from the Lord.

I'll second that. Repentance means change, so if you stopped being sexually active then you have repented.

[jellybelly]

Unfortunately, I was not able to remain chaste for more than a couple of months after my baptism. My family, even one of them a lifelong member of the church, told me that the law of chastity was not a big deal, and I stupidly believed them. After a time I realized they were wrong but I believed there was no hope for me. I had talked to a Bishop before and it all seemed too easy. I'm not trying to excuse my behavior, but the question I asked originally was always something I wondered about. My mind always seems to go there. It has been a long and slow slide down from being a good church member, and my sins are many.

I have been planning on becoming active again and having a long talk with the Bishop. I was wondering whether the repentance thing is something I should mention?

I have stopped doing the things I shouldn't have been doing two months ago, and I wanted to make sure I could be successful before I talked to anyone about it.

[pam]

You will need to go through the repentence process since you transgressed after becoming baptized. Talk to your Bishop and discuss it with him. He will lovingly guide you back onto the right track.

[Bensalem]

Unfortunately, I was not able to remain chaste for more than a couple of months after my baptism. My family, even one of them a lifelong member of the church, told me that the law of chastity was not a big deal, and I stupidly believed them. After a time I realized they were wrong but I believed there was no hope for me. I had talked to a Bishop before and it all seemed too easy. I'm not trying to excuse my behavior, but the question I asked originally was always something I wondered about. My mind always seems to go there. It has been a long and slow slide down from being a good church member, and my sins are many.

I have been planning on becoming active again and having a long talk with the Bishop. I was wondering whether the repentance thing is something I should mention?

I have stopped doing the things I shouldn't have been doing two months ago, and I wanted to make sure I could be successful before I talked to anyone about it.

For me, hope comes every Sunday when I take the Sacrament in repentance for my sins of the week. Try not to punish yourself for your short comings more than is warranted. Forgive yourself as you would forgive others if you knew their sins. Be active in the Atonement first and faithfully and all will fall into place.

[applepansy]

Unfortunately, I was not able to remain chaste for more than a couple of months after my baptism. My family, even one of them a lifelong member of the church, told me that the law of chastity was not a big deal, and I stupidly believed them. After a time I realized they were wrong but I believed there was no hope for me. I had talked to a Bishop before and it all seemed too easy. I'm not trying to excuse my behavior, but the question I asked originally was always something I wondered about. My mind always seems to go there. It has been a long and slow slide down from being a good church member, and my sins are many.

I have been planning on becoming active again and having a long talk with the Bishop. I was wondering whether the repentance thing is something I should mention?

I have stopped doing the things I shouldn't have been doing two months ago, and I wanted to make sure I could be successful before I talked to anyone about it.

Yes, if you have broken the law of chastity since being baptized, talk to your bishop. We all have many sins. Nobody in this life is perfect. We are all on the road of progression. Don't be too hard on yourself.

You can be successful. Forsaking sin and offering up a "broken heart and a contrite spirit" is what is most important. When we are truly sorrowful for the "sins" we commit is when we actually change.

Your bishop is there to help you. I would tell him everything you've told us here. You will feel the love and acceptance the atonement brings when you unburden yourself. If you have questions about something its always best to just talk to the bishop about it instead of worrying needlessly.

Best Wishes.

[Still_Small_Voice]

I suggest you read the following on repentance. It has helped me in my walk with the LORD.

LDS.org - Lessons Chapter - Repentance

[jellybelly]

Thank you everyone! I talked to my bishop and am getting things straightened out. I was so afraid, but I know now that I had no reason to be. Because my issues were so long ago (a couple years at least), and I have not taken the sacrament since that time and have been struggling with self-worth and self-forgiveness issues, he has suggested an 'anti-probation,' which I have never heard of before. Basically he wants me to take the sacrament again, become even more active, read a couple of books he suggested, and take on another calling, speaking with him every couple of weeks. :)

Speaking with him was very much a blessing.

[jellybelly]

For me, hope comes every Sunday when I take the Sacrament in repentance for my sins of the week. Try not to punish yourself for your short comings more than is warranted. Forgive yourself as you would forgive others if you knew their sins. Be active in the Atonement first and faithfully and all will fall into place.

My Bishop gave me a copy of 'The Infinite Atonement' by Tad R. Callister, which is amazing, and so very helpful in gaining a proper understanding of the Atonement.