“If they will repent …” It’s everywhere in the scriptures. It’s the underlying message throughout. It’s what Alma preaches, what Mormon preaches, what Jesus preaches. If you continue to read the quote above, it continues, “and come unto me; for mine arm is lengthened out all the day long.” (2 Nephi 28:32)
When I am reading with my children and the term ‘repentance’ comes up, I always emphasize to them that repentance is not a negative term. It’s not. It’s not dark. It’s not dirty. It is exactly the opposite. It is light. It is love. It is joy and happiness. It is freedom.
The emphasis there is “and come unto me.” Repentance is simply that act, moving ourselves towards Christ. It is wanting more peace in our lives, wanting more light, more love, more purpose and resolve. It is allowing the Lord to wrap our broken, mortal selves in His arms and hush away our sorrows and fears. He knows the pain, hurt, confusion. He knows how hard we tried or how much we wanted to try. He knows our struggles. He knows our hearts. He just knows. And in His embrace is the ONLY place we will find real peace.
“If they will repent and come unto me; for mine arm is lengthened out all the day long, saith the Lord God of Hosts.”
Sometimes repentance can be scary. But that fear is not from God. That is from Satan. He doesn’t want you to know what is on the other side of repentance. He doesn’t want you to taste of that joy and peace. No, he wants you to suffer in the stupor of fear. Stand still; do nothing. Frozen in fear, that is how he wants you.
Forever grateful to know the Savior’s love!
