Lesson Prepration Guide for "Embrace the Lord’s Gift of Repentance"

In his General Conference address, Elder Jorge M. Alvarado of the Seventy invites us to embrace the divine gift of repentance offered by the Savior, Jesus Christ. He shares personal experiences and scriptural examples to illustrate how feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness can lead us to rely on the Savior, seek forgiveness, and experience the joy of repentance. Elder Alvarado emphasizes that repentance is a daily process that brings us closer to God and prepares us to receive the blessings of the temple and eternal life.

Ideas for Opening the Lesson

Begin by playing the hymn "I Stand All Amazed" and ask class members to reflect on how the words make them feel about the Savior's love and sacrifice.
Share a personal story or ask a class member to share an experience where they felt the power of repentance in their lives.
Start with a short video clip or story about someone who turned their life around through repentance.
Invite the class to ponder a time they felt inadequate or unworthy and how they overcame those feelings.
Ask class members to write down what repentance means to them and then share their thoughts with the group.

Topics

Acknowledge Feelings of Inadequacy

Elder Alvarado shared that feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness are common among many, including scriptural figures like Nephi and Joseph Smith. These feelings can lead us to seek the Savior and repentance.

The common feeling of inadequacy, weakness, or even unworthiness is something with which many of us sometimes struggle.

Why do you think feelings of inadequacy are so common?
How can recognizing our weaknesses draw us closer to Christ?
What examples from the scriptures resonate with you when feeling inadequate?
How can we support others who feel unworthy or inadequate?
What role does humility play in overcoming feelings of inadequacy?

Repentance Brings Joy

Elder Alvarado emphasized that repentance is a joyful process that helps us align our lives with the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is a daily process that brings us closer to the Savior.

My friends, repentance is joy! Sweet repentance is part of a daily process through which, "line upon line, precept upon precept," the Lord teaches us to live a life centered in His teachings.

How have you experienced joy through repentance?
Why is repentance described as a daily process?
What are some barriers to feeling joy in repentance?
How can we encourage others to see repentance as a joyful experience?
What are some practical ways to incorporate daily repentance in our lives?

The Power of the Book of Mormon

The story of Célia Cruz Ayala and the thief illustrates the transformative power of the Book of Mormon and how it can lead individuals to repentance and conversion.

That book [the Book of Mormon] has helped me in my life. The dream of that man of God has shaken me.

How has the Book of Mormon impacted your life personally?
Why do you think the Book of Mormon has such a powerful effect on people?
What are some ways we can share the Book of Mormon with others?
How can we better appreciate the teachings found in the Book of Mormon?
How does the Book of Mormon help us understand the process of repentance?

The Role of the Temple in Repentance

Elder Alvarado taught that sincere repentance leads us to the temple, where we can receive the fulness of gospel blessings and sacred covenants that help us become more like the Savior.

Our path of sincere repentance will eventually lead us to the Savior’s holy temple.

What does the temple mean to you personally?
How does serving in the temple enhance our repentance process?
What are some ways to prepare ourselves to attend the temple?
How can we help others understand the importance of temple covenants?
Why is the temple described as a place of healing and transformation?

Embrace the Atonement and Daily Repentance

Elder Alvarado testified of the Savior's Atonement and the importance of daily repentance. He emphasized that no matter our past, the Savior is ready to embrace us as we turn to Him.

Our Savior’s Atonement is infinite and eternal. Each of us strays and falls short. We may, for a time, lose our way. God lovingly assures us [that] no matter where we are or what we have done, there is no point of no return.

What does it mean to you that the Atonement is infinite and eternal?
How can daily repentance strengthen our relationship with the Savior?
What are some challenges you face in embracing daily repentance?
How can we help others understand the power of the Atonement in their lives?
Why is it important to remember that there is no point of no return?

Additional Discussion Questions

How can we better recognize the tender mercies of the Lord in our lives?
What are some ways we can help others feel the Savior's love and light?
How does the doctrine of Christ guide us in our daily lives?
What lessons can we learn from the experiences of Nephi and Joseph Smith?
How can we apply the teachings of this talk to our personal challenges?
What role does faith play in the process of repentance?
How can we find peace when we feel overwhelmed by our weaknesses?
In what ways can we support each other in our journey of repentance?
How can we maintain a spirit of gratitude while striving to improve?
What are some practical steps to take when we feel distant from the Lord?