Study 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.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What are some common feelings that may hinder us from embracing repentance?
How did the experiences of Nephi and Joseph Smith illustrate the process of repentance?
What role does the Book of Mormon play in leading individuals to Christ through repentance?
What is the significance of the temple in the process of repentance and spiritual growth?
How can we apply the principles of daily repentance in our lives?

Topics

Recognize Feelings of Inadequacy

Elder Alvarado discusses how feelings of inadequacy, weakness, or unworthiness are common among many, including himself. He shares examples from the scriptures, such as Nephi and Joseph Smith, who also experienced similar feelings. These feelings can lead us to recognize our dependence on Jesus Christ and stir within us a desire to repent.

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

This remarkable experience of the Prophet Joseph Smith illustrates how feelings of weakness and inadequacy can help us recognize our fallen nature.

What examples from the scriptures demonstrate that feelings of inadequacy can lead to spiritual growth?
Why are feelings of inadequacy not necessarily negative in the context of repentance?
How can you turn feelings of inadequacy into motivation for spiritual growth?
In what ways can recognizing your weaknesses bring you closer to Christ?

Experience the Joy of Repentance

Elder Alvarado describes repentance as a joyful process that is essential for spiritual growth. He emphasizes that repentance is a daily effort to align our lives with the teachings of Jesus Christ, leading to healing and fulfillment of righteous desires.

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 does Elder Alvarado describe the process of repentance?
What are the outcomes of sincere repentance according to the talk?
What steps can you take to incorporate daily repentance into your life?
Reflect on a time when you experienced joy through repentance. What did you learn from that experience?

Share the Gospel through Simple Acts

Elder Alvarado shares an inspiring story of a sister in Puerto Rico whose simple act of sharing a Book of Mormon led to a profound change in a stranger's life. This illustrates the power of small, sincere efforts to share the gospel and the impact they can have.

One faithful sister, one Book of Mormon, sincere repentance, and the Savior’s power led to the enjoyment of the fulness of blessings of the gospel and sacred covenants in the house of the Lord.

What was the result of the sister's act of sharing the Book of Mormon?
How can simple acts of sharing the gospel lead to significant changes in others" lives?
What simple act can you do this week to share the gospel with someone?
How have you seen small acts of kindness or sharing the gospel make a difference in your life or the lives of others?

Seek the Blessings of the Temple

Elder Alvarado emphasizes the importance of striving to be worthy to enter the temple, where we can receive the fulness of the blessings through sacred covenants. Regular temple worship enhances our desire and ability to become more like the Savior.

Serving regularly in the house of the Lord and striving to keep the sacred covenants we make there will increase both our desire and our ability to experience the change of heart, might, mind, and soul necessary for us to become more like our Savior.

What role does the temple play in our spiritual journey according to Elder Alvarado?
How does temple worship help us in our process of becoming more like Christ?
What can you do to prepare yourself to attend the temple more frequently?
Reflect on your last temple experience. How did it strengthen your desire to follow Christ?

Embrace the Savior's Atonement

Elder Alvarado testifies of the infinite power of Jesus Christ’s Atonement, which offers healing and forgiveness for all. He encourages us to turn to the Savior with faith and repentance, ensuring us that no one is beyond the reach of His love and mercy.

I testify of God’s love and of the infinite power of His Son’s Atonement. We can feel it profoundly as we sincerely and wholeheartedly repent.

How does Elder Alvarado describe the reach and impact of the Savior's Atonement?
What assurance does Elder Alvarado offer about the Savior's willingness to forgive?
In what ways can you more fully embrace the Savior’s Atonement in your daily life?
Consider a time when you felt the healing power of the Atonement. How can you build on that experience?