Have I done any good in the world today?
Have I helped anyone in need?
Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?
If not, I have failed indeed.
LDS Hymns, no. 223
Sunday, January 11, 2026
How Can I Be Assured That I Am Forgiven?
Understanding the Lord’s Promise to Remember Our Sins No More and the Role of Repentance in Forgetting
By John Fisher (assisted by AI)
Introduction In his October 2025 General Conference address “The Atoning Love of Jesus Christ,” Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught powerfully about the Savior’s promise of forgiveness and the healing available through Jesus Christ’s Atonement. Elder Andersen emphasized that forgiveness and healing are divine gifts available to all who come unto Christ with faith, honesty, and sincere repentance. His message provides both reassurance and practical counsel for those asking the heartfelt question: “How can I be assured that I am forgiven?”
This article explores Elder Andersen’s teachings on forgiveness, the Lord’s promise that He will “remember [our] sins no more,” and how we can work with the Lord to truly leave our past sins behind as we press forward in faith.
Summary of Elder Andersen’s Message Elder Andersen taught that healing and forgiveness are each found in their fullness in the atoning love of Jesus Christ. True forgiveness is a miracle awaiting all who earnestly desire to repent and follow the Savior. The process involves turning from sin, strengthening faith in Christ, and exercising honesty with God and others. Reconciliation and restitution where possible are part of the healing journey, but full forgiveness ultimately comes from the Savior through His grace.
Key Quotes from the Talk
“Healing and forgiveness are each found in their fullness in the atoning love of Jesus Christ.”
“If you have committed serious sins … please know this miracle is awaiting you. The Savior continuously calls, ‘Come unto me.’”
“Turning from sin, turning toward God, and strengthening your faith in Jesus Christ are a beautiful beginning.”
“Forgiveness is a divine gift offered through the grace of Jesus Christ.”
“In the Lord’s time, you will feel His voice telling you, ‘Let these things trouble you no more.’” (referencing the Lord’s promise that He will remember our sins no more)
Questions to Ponder Further
What does it mean to come unto Christ in the context of seeking forgiveness?
How can strengthening my faith help me feel assured that I am forgiven?
In what ways can honesty with Heavenly Father, myself, and others bring me closer to peace and forgiveness?
How do I reconcile the Lord’s promise to “remember [my] sins no more” with my struggle to forget past mistakes?
What steps can I take today to repair what has been broken and seek healing for those I may have hurt?
Conclusion Elder Andersen’s message reminds us that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is both powerful and personal. Assurance of forgiveness is grounded in faith, repentance, and the grace of the Savior who promises that, as we come unto Him, our sins can be taken away and “…the guilt [will be] removed from [our] heart through the merits of His Son.” Recognizing that forgetting past sins is part of the Savior’s healing process, we are invited to trust in His timing, rely on His grace, and continue pressing forward with a contrite heart to experience the joy and peace that forgiveness brings.
Every one of us longs for a fresh start—a moment when we can lay down what weighs on our hearts and begin again with hope. In his powerful General Conference message “Jesus Christ and Your New Beginning,” Elder Patrick Kearon teaches that new beginnings are not rare spiritual privileges reserved for the few; they are the very heart of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Through Him, every one of us—no matter our history, weaknesses, or discouragements—can rise again. Even me. Even you.
Summary of Elder Kearon’s Message
Elder Kearon begins by highlighting a profound scriptural understatement: “Jesus went about doing good.” This simple phrase cannot contain the immeasurable compassion, mercy, power, and goodness of the Savior’s earthly ministry. He touched the untouchable, lifted the broken, forgave the sinner, healed the sick, and raised the dead. To every person He encountered, the Savior offered a new beginning.
These new beginnings are not limited to ancient stories. Elder Kearon teaches that Jesus offers the same new beginnings to us—every day, every week, and every moment when we turn toward Him. Baptism, covenants, repentance, sacrament, and enduring faith are pathways through which He invites us to “walk in newness of life.”
Repentance, Elder Kearon reminds us, is not meant to be a fearful concept. It is joyful. It is hopeful. It is a daily gift that opens the door to change. Through Jesus Christ, we can shed old patterns and rise with renewed spirit—even when we feel stuck, discouraged, or imperfect.
Five Quotes That Illuminate the Message
“All of us can have a new beginning through, and because of, Jesus Christ. Even you.”
“He is the very essence—and source—of goodness!”
“Jesus gives us as many new beginnings as we need.”
“You don’t have to be who you’ve been before.”
“New beginnings are at the heart of the Father’s plan! Fresh starts are the mission of the Son!”
Personal Application: My Own Need for New Beginnings
As I reflect on Elder Kearon’s message, I feel the Savior’s invitation deeply. I have places in my life where I need new beginnings—where I long for His forgiveness, strength, and renewing grace. Like many, I stumble in familiar ways and sometimes feel weighed down by the very patterns I want to overcome. Elder Kearon’s message reminds me that Christ does not tire of offering new starts, even to me.
My Personal Need for Renewal
Writing and Research Goals:
I often feel discouraged when I don’t meet my personal writing and research goals. The gap between what I want to accomplish and what I actually do sometimes leaves me overwhelmed. I need a new beginning—one grounded in discipline, compassion for myself, and Christ’s enabling power.
Scripture Study and Prayer:
I don’t study the scriptures or pray as consistently as I should. I know the peace and clarity these habits bring, yet I drift. The Savior offers me the chance to begin again—to rebuild spiritual habits one quiet moment at a time.
Type 2 Diabetes and Healthy Eating:
I struggle with my eating and diet. I put on weight and reach for unhealthy snacks. I know better, and yet I fall back into old patterns. The Lord invites me to a fresh start—not just to “try harder,” but to let Him strengthen my desire for health and self-mastery.
Emotional Responses and Relationships:
When discouraged, I sometimes become grumpy or irritable. I react in ways that hurt my dear sweetheart wife—who deserves affection, gentleness, kindness, and love. I need a new heart. I want to replace impatience with warmth, worry with gratitude, and frustration with kindness.
Replacing Old Habits with New Ones:
Elder Kearon teaches that we really can become new creatures in Christ. I feel that truth. I need new habits—habits that nourish my body, deepen my spirit, and strengthen my relationships. The Savior does not expect me to change alone. His grace is the power that makes lasting change possible.
What I Know Because of Jesus Christ
Because of the Savior, my failures are not final.
Because of Him, my weaknesses do not define me.
Because of Him, every day is a new dawn, a new beginning.
Conclusion: A Hopeful and Encouraging Future
Elder Kearon ends with a reminder that the greatest new beginning in history occurred when Jesus Christ rose from the tomb. Through His Resurrection and Atonement, every one of us can rise—from sin, from discouragement, from unhealthy habits, from fear, from spiritual fatigue, from emotional struggle.
There is no “too late.” There is no “too many times.”
The Savior offers a new beginning today—right now.
With His help, I can change. You can change.
We can walk forward with hope, courage, and confidence that Jesus Christ—the Author and Finisher of our faith—will walk beside us as we take every small, imperfect step toward Him.
New beginnings are real. They are personal.
And they are available as often as we need them.
Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery receive the Aaronic Priesthood from John the Baptist
by John Fisher (assisted by AI)
The restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood is a foundational event in Latter-day Saint history. On May 15, 1829, near Harmony, Pennsylvania, Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery sought divine guidance regarding the ordinance of baptism. In response to their prayer, John the Baptist appeared to them as a heavenly messenger. He laid his hands upon their heads and conferred upon them the Aaronic Priesthood, addressing them as “my fellow servants.” This priesthood authority included the keys to the ministering of angels, the gospel of repentance, and baptism by immersion for the remission of sins. John the Baptist also instructed them that this authority did not encompass the laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost, which would be conferred upon them later. Following this visitation, Joseph and Oliver baptized each other in the nearby Susquehanna River. This event is detailed in Joseph Smith–History 1:68–72, found in the Pearl of Great Price.
The promises made by John the Baptist during this visitation emphasized the enduring nature of the Aaronic Priesthood. He declared that this priesthood “shall never be taken again from the earth until the sons of Levi do offer again an offering unto the Lord in righteousness.” This statement underscores the belief in the perpetual presence of this priesthood authority on the earth. Additionally, the conferred keys encompass the ministering of angels, the gospel of repentance, and baptism by immersion for the remission of sins, as outlined in Doctrine and Covenants 13:1.
The location of this significant event, near Harmony, Pennsylvania, exemplifies how the Lord often selects humble settings for pivotal moments in His kingdom. In this secluded area, the foundation for essential ordinances and priesthood authority was established, highlighting that divine work is centered on service rather than recognition. This principle is further emphasized in Doctrine and Covenants 14:7, which speaks of the “great and marvelous work” of the Lord.
For more detailed information, you can refer to the following sources:
The Power of Spiritual Momentum: A Call to Strengthen Faith and End Conflict
Moses and the burning bush. Image created by chatGPT.
Summarized by John Fisher (assisted by AI)
In his address The Power of Spiritual Momentum, President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offers five specific actions to help individuals build and sustain positive spiritual momentum. His message emphasizes faith, personal growth, and the importance of ending conflict in our lives. Through powerful stories, scriptural insights, and heartfelt invitations, he encourages listeners to strengthen their relationship with God and experience the blessings of spiritual progress.
Summary
President Nelson begins by acknowledging the challenges of life, including personal trials and global conflicts. He speaks of the suffering caused by war and emphasizes that, while we cannot control world events, we can control our own actions. He urges listeners to seek peace in their hearts, homes, and communities.
Using the analogy of momentum in sports, President Nelson illustrates how small actions can create lasting spiritual progress. He outlines five key actions to build and maintain positive spiritual momentum:
1.Get on the covenant path and stay there.
President Nelson emphasizes that walking the covenant path is the surest way to gain spiritual strength. The covenant path begins with baptism, where individuals make their first promise to follow Christ. Through additional sacred ordinances performed in temples, individuals deepen their commitment to God and receive divine power. Staying on the covenant path requires faithfulness to commandments, regular participation in the sacrament, and continual spiritual growth. He reassures those who may have strayed that it is never too late to return. The covenant path is the road to exaltation and eternal life, providing strength and guidance in an increasingly turbulent world.
2.Discover the joy of daily repentance.
Repentance is often misunderstood as something to be feared or delayed, but President Nelson reframes it as a joyful process of growth and renewal. He explains that repentance is not a sign of failure but an essential part of spiritual momentum. As individuals recognize their shortcomings and seek to improve daily, they draw closer to Christ, who lovingly provides healing and strength. He warns that delaying repentance allows the adversary to increase misery in our lives, whereas sincere repentance brings peace, freedom, and relief. President Nelson urges all to embrace repentance as a daily opportunity to align their lives more fully with God’s will and to experience His love in greater abundance.
3.Learn about God and how He works.
Understanding God’s character and His ways is crucial for spiritual progress. President Nelson warns that the world is filled with counterfeit philosophies and misleading messages, making it essential to seek truth directly from God through scripture study, prayer, and worship. He highlights the example of Moses, who recognized and rejected Satan’s deception because he had experienced God’s presence. The ability to discern truth comes from regular spiritual nourishment—reading the scriptures, attending church, and seeking inspiration through prayer. President Nelson urges individuals to prioritize their relationship with God, ensuring that faith is built on a firm foundation rather than worldly distractions.
4.Seek and expect miracles.
Miracles are not just events of the past; they continue today for those who exercise faith. President Nelson assures that God has not ceased to be a God of miracles, and He stands ready to bless those who believe. He recounts biblical and scriptural examples of divine intervention, from the parting of the Red Sea to Nephi retrieving the brass plates. While miracles may not always come in the way or timeframe we expect, they do happen for those who diligently seek them. He invites listeners to pray for miracles in their own lives and to trust in God’s timing. Recognizing and acknowledging God’s hand in our lives fuels spiritual momentum, reinforcing faith and trust in Him.
5.End conflict in your personal life.
One of the most powerful aspects of President Nelson’s message is his urgent plea to end personal conflicts. He calls on individuals to let go of resentment, bitterness, and anger. Whether in families, friendships, or communities, unresolved conflict can be a major obstacle to spiritual growth. Christ commanded His followers to forgive and love their enemies, even when it feels difficult or unjustified. President Nelson reminds that forgiveness is not about condoning wrongdoing but about freeing oneself from the burdens of anger and pain. As Easter approaches, he invites everyone to seek reconciliation, viewing it as a meaningful way to honor the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Letting go of conflict allows for increased peace, unity, and personal spiritual progress.
Five Quotes from the Speech
1.“We have never needed positive spiritual momentum more than we do now, to counteract the speed with which evil and the darker signs of the times are intensifying.”
2.“If you feel you have strayed off the covenant path too far or too long and have no way to return, that simply is not true.”
3.“Few things will accelerate your spiritual momentum more than realizing the Lord is helping you to move a mountain in your life.”
4.“I invite you to seek an end to a personal conflict that has weighed you down. Could there be a more fitting act of gratitude to Jesus Christ for His Atonement?”
5.“God lives! Jesus is the Christ! He lives! He loves us and will help us.”
Conclusion
President Nelson’s message is a profound call to action for all who seek spiritual growth. By embracing repentance, strengthening faith, and striving for peace, individuals can harness the power of spiritual momentum. His promise is clear: those who follow these principles will gain increased resilience, greater unity, and a stronger relationship with God. As Easter approaches, he encourages everyone to take steps toward reconciliation and faith, ensuring that they move forward with spiritual strength and purpose.
In a stirring address, President Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, reaffirmed a profound truth: the answer to life’s challenges, questions, and uncertainties is found in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. His message invites all to draw closer to the Savior, embrace His atoning sacrifice, and access the healing power He offers. Delivered with Easter approaching, this address underscores the centrality of Jesus Christ in the Christian faith.
Summary President Nelson began by reflecting on the spiritually enriching messages shared at the conference, highlighting the importance of seeking the guidance of the Holy Ghost to internalize these divine truths. He reminded listeners that Easter celebrates the Savior's Atonement and Resurrection, which make repentance, forgiveness, and eternal life possible.
He emphasized the importance of studying sacred scriptural accounts, including the Savior’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, His suffering, Crucifixion, Resurrection, and appearances to His followers. President Nelson also urged reflection on Jesus Christ’s appearance to the Nephites in the Americas, pointing to His plea for repentance and His promise of mercy and healing.
Reinforcing the message that Jesus Christ is the answer to all of life’s struggles, President Nelson extended an invitation to “come unto Him” and allow His love and mercy to heal wounds of sin, sadness, and fear. He concluded by linking temple worship to the Savior, emphasizing how temple covenants and ordinances bring unparalleled blessings and draw individuals closer to Christ.
Quotes
“Whatever questions or problems you have, the answer is always found in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.”
“Savor these sacred verses and find every way you can to thank our Heavenly Father for sending us His Only Begotten Son.”
Jesus said, “Will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?”
“Jesus Christ extends that same invitation to you today. I plead with you to come unto Him so that He can heal you!”
“Jesus Christ is the reason we build temples. Each is His holy house.”
Conclusion President Nelson’s message serves as a timeless reminder that in every season of life, Jesus Christ provides the solutions, healing, and hope we seek. Through His Atonement, His gospel, and the ordinances of His holy temples, He offers a path of progression, peace, and eternal joy. As Easter approaches, may we renew our commitment to follow Him and find solace in His teachings.
Alma 42 teaches about the relationship between justice and mercy. If there were no laws and consequences for breaking laws, there would be no justice. Without justice God would cease to be God (verse 13). However, without mercy, we would all be in a fallen state. Mercy comes through the grace of Jesus Christ who has atoned for our sins if we will repent and follow him.
21 And if there was no law given, if men sinned what could justice do, or mercy either, for they would have no claim upon the creature?
22 But there is a law given, and a punishment affixed, and a repentance granted; which repentance, mercy claimeth; otherwise, justice claimeth the creature and executeth the law, and the law inflicteth the punishment; if not so, the works of justice would be destroyed, and God would cease to be God.
23 But God ceaseth not to be God, and mercy claimeth the penitent, and mercy cometh because of the atonement; and the atonement bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead; and the resurrection of the dead bringeth back men into the presence of God; and thus they are restored into his presence, to be judged according to their works, according to the law and justice.
24 For behold, justice exerciseth all his demands, and also mercy claimeth all which is her own; and thus, none but the truly penitent are saved.
The American cultural icon shows justice as blind (and so equitable). However, we soon learn that man's justice is not fair. We are treated differently depending on social class, race, and it seems religion. Justice is also seen as female.
Alma makes justice male and mercy female (in verse 24). God is fair in meting out justice, but loving because he is merciful.
Since working with Elder Boyd K. Packer on my mission 40 years ago, I
have had great admiration for the man. His teachings and example have
influenced my life for good. In his conference talk this month he
talked about the power of repentance and forgiveness. This is what I
found most profound in his talk.
He quoted Mosiah 26:30: "As often as my people repent will I forgive
them their trespasses against me."
Then he told the following story.
President Joseph Fielding Smith told me of a repentant woman
struggling to find her way out of a very immoral life. She asked him
what she should do now.
In turn, he asked her to read to him from the Old Testament the
account of Lot's wife, who was turned to a pillar of salt. Then he
asked her, "What lesson do you gain from those verses?"
She answered, "The Lord will destroy the wicked."
"Not so!" President Smith said that the lesson for this repentant
woman and for you is "Don't look back!"
"Strangely enough, ... the simplest and most powerful prevention and
cure for pornography, or any unclean act," President Packer said, "is
to ignore and avoid it. Delete from the mind any unworthy thought that
tries to take root. Once you have decided to remain clean, you are
asserting your God-given agency. And then, as President Smith
counseled, 'Don't look back.'"
Lehi taught that men are free and must be "free . . . to act for
themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of
the law at the great and last day" (2 Nephi 2:26).
"The old saying "The Lord is voting for me, and Lucifer is voting
against me, but it is my vote that counts" describes a doctrinal
certainty that our agency is more powerful than the adversary's will.
Agency is precious. We can foolishly, blindly give it away, but it
cannot be forcibly taken from us," President Packer said.
