Messing up During Repentance Process

[Guest ArchangelKid]

Okay, I recently messed up on the law of chastity. I talked with my branch president and I began the repentance process. If all went according to plan, I could start taking the sacrament again in March...except, three days after my talk with my branch president, I messed up again. I am supposed to meet up with him every two or three weeks, should I speak to him tomorrow about it, or should I just wait to our next meeting? What happens when we are repenting and still mess up? I see my branch president as a father figure, and I am always disappointed in myself whenever I have to talk to him. I'm really ashamed that I messed up three days after our talk...after I promise not to do it anymore. I don't know what to do.

[Guest]

Tomorrow.

[PrinceofLight2000]

Tomorrow.

And as for tonight, pray.

[Vort]

Yes, tomorrow. Tonight, if you can.

[pam]

I don't need to know details, but if there is another person involved, it might be wise to back off from that relationship for now until you get this right with you.

[skippy740]

What happens when we are repenting and still mess up?

You have two choices:

1) Give up and give in to the voice that says "it's hopeless, you'll never get through it, it's too hard."

2) You try again and continue to repent.

I'll let you decide which path you should go. (Hint: not #1.)

I see my branch president as a father figure, and I am always disappointed in myself whenever I have to talk to him. I'm really ashamed that I messed up three days after our talk...after I promise not to do it anymore. I don't know what to do.

You're thinking of yourself as the "son" talking to your 'father figure' about confession.

I want you to turn the situation around: Think of yourself as the 'father figure' and your 'son' is coming to you for help through the repentance process.

Wouldn't you be a little disappointed, but still VERY proud of the person still trying and asking for help???

In our culture of fast-food and instant communication, we have to remember that habits take time to form and to break. It isn't instant. But you can have the guidance and support that you need... if you keep relying on the Lord and confessing to the proper priesthood authority.

Keep going! :)

[missmollymormon]

Go asap. Pray and fast. I dont know you, but could there be an underlying issue? I feel for you. Goodluck

[Roseslipper]

I know your not alone, messing up while repenting. Heavenly Father knows this might happen that's why he made this wonderful plan for us all, He is so organized thank goodness, all knowing we cant hide anything from him, like we can from others talk with him, cry with him laugh with him etc.,.He loves you soooo much more then we can even comprehand, don't give up on yourself keep trying, keep striving, keep working with your leaders...

He knows it's not easy but it's worth it!!!!! Hope this helps..

[ACommonMan]

You can wait until the next appointment. You are already on a long probationary plan. There's not a lot to do, in terms of church action, at this point. If, however, it's been a couple weeks, and you are not sure he's remembered, definitely reach out to make sure he knows you're committed to do what he has asked.

In the meantime, pray. Pray for strength and pray to know if need to see him sooner. While you are doing that, meditate on what triggered the second slip. If the other person isn't as committed to living the gospel, then you'll need to stay away from their temptation. If it has to do with feelings of desperation for being loved, focus on Heavenly Father's love for you. Whatever it is, you need to head off the temptations at a point way before the line you've currently drawn. It's easy to lull yourself into thinking you are strong enough to handle X amount of temptation. However, that's like saying you can stand X inches from the edge of a cliff without taking into account that there are known to be major wind gusts in the area.

Lastly, remember that when aroused, biology wins over theology every time.

[Sunday21]

The strength for youth pamphlet has great ideas on how to avoid risky situations. E.g. Don,t be alone with someone that you feel that way about. It,s a bit like dieting. Don,t park outside of Dairy Queen when you are hungry. You are trying to break a habit. Planning ahead, what will I do when I see that person works better than willpower. Try to analyse your behaviour and work out why you messed up as if you were dieting. Good luck!