The Gift of Repentance

Opening Song: Help Me, Dear Father (CS #99 )

Opening Prayer

Scripture: D& C 58:42

Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, 

and I, the Lord, remember them no more.

Lesson

Explain that Heavenly Father sent Jesus to help us overcome sin. Jesus suffered and died to pay for our sins. Show the pictures of Jesus in Gethsemane and Jesus on the cross. He was the only one who could pay for our sins. We could not be forgiven by our own efforts alone.

Because of Jesus’ sacrifice and atonement, we can repent and become pure again. We can be free to progress and be clean to live with our Father in Heaven again one day.

Have a family member read aloud Doctrine and Covenants 19:16, 

“I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent.”

Explain that if Jesus had not atoned for our mistakes we could not be forgiven and would have to continue to suffer for them. However, because he suffered for us, we can be forgiven if we repent. To help illustrate this process, have someone read or tell the following story by President David O. McKay:

“One day, a group of small boys were swimming. Perhaps it would be more accurate to say, they were learning to swim; for none could take more than a few strokes. Just below them a short distance down the stream was a treacherous hole much beyond their depth. Into this, either through bravado or accident, one daring youngster either plunged or fell. He became helpless to save himself; and for a moment his companions were powerless to aid him. Fortunately, one with presence of mind and quick action, jerked a long stick from a willow fence and held one end of it toward the drowning lad. The latter grasped it, held on tightly, and was saved.

“All the boys declared that the venturesome lad owed his life to the boy who furnished the means of rescue.” (“The Gospel of Work,” Instructor, Jan. 1955, p. 1.)

Explain to your family that Jesus is like the rescuer and his atonement is like the stick. Jesus offers us the Atonement as the way to receive forgiveness. When we repent, we reach out to accept the Atonement just as the drowning boy reached out to grasp the stick. If we accept the Atonement by repenting, we will be forgiven and not have to continue suffering for our sins. We can learn from our mistakes and continue to progress. We will be stronger and wiser if we have overcome our faults and have learned from our experiences.

Bear your testimony of the wonderful gift of repentance.

Activity
Play a game of Chutes and Ladders. (You can learn how to make your own here.) This is a great game for young children to understand the consequences of making good and bad choices. This game is under $10 at any WalMart, Kmart or similar store.

Closing Song: “I Stand All Amazed” (Hymns # 193).

Closing Prayer
Refreshments!