![]() ![]() When a person has gone through the process that results in what the scriptures call a broken heart and a contrite spirit, the Savior does more than cleanse that person from sin. The susceptibility to repetition continues until the tree has been strengthened. Similarly, a person who is merely sorry to be soiled by sin will sin again in the next high wind. If we focus only on cleaning the leaves, the weakness in the tree that allowed it to bend and soil its leaves may remain. ![]() On a windy and rainy day, the tree bends so deeply against the ground that the leaves become soiled with mud, like sin. A person who sins is like a tree that bends easily in the wind. But that is an incomplete view of the matter. ![]() We tend to think of the results of repentance as simply cleansing us from sin. Poelman illustrates the dilemma we will all have until we finish the preparation represented in Step Six: Even though I told myself I was sincere in my intent to change, is it any wonder that in a short while I found myself back in the same situation, needing to confess again, and “be forgiven” still again? This kind of “serial repentance” is an indication of an attempt to change that has not yet connected with the Savior’s power to redeem.Ī story told by Elder Ronald E. I wanted to meet the requirements of talking with the bishop and doing what he asked, and then move on. Looking back now, I realize how often my repentance was just a bandage to cover the deeply infected wound of addiction. Something was at work in Alma’s heart and mind that was more than simply “being forgiven.” Not only did he never return to the errors of his past, he devoted the rest of his life to repairing the damage he had done and to teaching others of Christ’s redeeming love. Christ gave Alma a complete remission of the effects of sin! In that moment, Alma’s whole disposition or character was changed. Christ did that thing for Alma that Alma couldn’t do for himself. But in truth, much more than forgiveness took place in that moment when he cried out to the Savior for mercy. We must try to be people of integrity.For many years, I read this verse and interpreted Alma’s words “and I did find peace to my soul” to mean he had finally repented for his sins and been forgiven. sworn deceitfullyĪ person who “ascend into the hill of the Lord” should be honest. Instead of vanity, we should try to be humble and modest in what we say and wear and in how we treat others. Vanity is excessive pride in or admiration of one’s own looks, abilities, or achievements. Our hearts are pure when we are actively striving to have good, virtuous thoughts and righteous intentions. We have clean hands when we try to live righteously and repent when we have sinned. We “ascend into the hill of the Lord” when we prepare to enter the temple and then enter it. The hill of the Lord represents a higher spiritual place where we can be closer to God. In the scriptures, a hill can symbolize the temple. 3 Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?Ĥ He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. ![]()
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