The Pain Of Sin

Well given that it has been four years since this blog was last written on I am sure nobody will read this, and if they do it will months from now. That's okay though I am writing this mostly for me and feel like that everyone else who does read it can only be benefitted. I have been thinking a lot lately about repentance process how it works and what all it encompasses. I started to think about the common conception of repentance being as Alma the younger described, as being racked with torment and 0the pains of a damned soul, and being in inexpressible horror. Even I myself don't always look forward to repenting because it isn't generally because it brings with it remorse and guilt. But today I learned a few things from the Spirit. I began thinking about the parable of prodigal son. Here is a man that had wasted all the money his father had given him in riotous living, with harlots and everything else you can imagine. He soon finds himself at the rock bottom of the pit he has dug for himself. One of the saddest descriptions of the guilt that is felt before repentance is given by him, in Luke 15:18-19 when he says: I have sinned against heaven [and my father]. and am no more worthy to be called [his] son. I think after sinning Satan would love for us to think this. This son decides to repentant and come unto his father, planning on getting a job as his servant. He thought his father would look down on him and scold him for doing so many bad things. Well he goes home and his father who had been patiently waiting, hoping he would comeback runs out to meet him and receives him with open arms. And as the son describes to his father his thoughts of being unworthy to be his son, the father stops him and begins to celebrate that his long lost son has finally comes home and treats him like royalty for finally coming home. So what part of the prodigal sons repentance was painful? Well given that the repentance was when he returned to his father none of it. Partying, eating steak with your old friends doesn't sound painful to me. Repentance, returning to our Father, is one of the greatest celebrations we could have in this life. Repentance is the greatest mercy that the Father could show to his children. The prodigal sons father did want his son to suffer before he would let him back into the house. He was super excited and couldn't wait to help his son. Our Father doesn't want us to suffer its not about punishing us for our sins. He just wants us back home and there is no nothing so exquisite as the joy of repentance. Repentance is the good news! What we often think of repentance as being awful is not the repentance at all. What makes us feel so lousy during the repentance process is sin. The sin is what is causing the pain in the guilt. The sin is what made alma feel so terribly rotten just before he repents. But as he repents and calls upon our Savior Jesus Christ he immediately remembered his pains no more. Repentance is what delivered Alma from the pains of a damned soul. How grateful I am truly am for the gift of Repentance. I am grateful for the Atonement that Christ made in my behalf. I wish I understood better then I do. I am grateful for the Spirit that can teach us these fundamental doctrines.