In “Repentance, a Blessing of Membership” Elder Richard G Hinckley talks briefly of his relationship with his father and his mother. He shares how they guided him and influenced him in his life. He then shares a story about when LeGrand Richards was a bishop. He asked several less active members to come and give a talk on what their membership in the church meant to them. This experience helped several of the members return to full activity. He then goes on to say:
“I would like to speak to that same theme this evening. I invite each of you, young or old, to dedicate a small notebook to this theme. Write at the top of the first page the words “What my membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints means to me.” Then briefly list those things that come to mind. Over time, additional thoughts will come, which you can add to your list. Soon you will have a growing booklet that will fill you with gratitude and appreciation for your membership in the Lord’s Church. It may even provide a resource for talks you may be asked to give in the future.”
Elder Hinckley’s challenge is a great one. This is a chance to truly reflect on the things, which matter to us most. Elder Hinckley says that he already listed several topics, but that he will speak on just one tonight. He said:
“I will speak briefly of the principle of repentance. How grateful I am for the understanding we have of this great principle. It is not a harsh principle, as I thought when I was a boy. It is kind and merciful. The Hebrew root of the word means, simply, “to turn,”1 or to return, to God. Jehovah pled with the children of Israel: ‘Return . . . and I will not cause mine anger to fall upon you: for I am merciful . . . and I will not keep anger for ever. Only acknowledge thine iniquity, that thou hast transgressed against the Lord thy God.’
“When we acknowledge our sins, confess them and forsake them, and turn to God, He will forgive us.”
Elder Hinckley went on to share an experience he had as a mission president. He was able to reassure an investigator that repentance was real, even though she had made some serious mistakes that through the Atonement of Christ she can be forgiven of her sins. Elder Hinckley closes his talk by bearing his testimony:
“What does my membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints mean to me? It means everything. It influences, enlivens, permeates, and gives purpose and meaning to everything in life that is important to me: my relationship with God, my Eternal Father, and with His Holy Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. It teaches me that through obedience to the principles and ordinances of the gospel, I will find peace and happiness in this life and be invited to live in God’s presence, with my family, in the life that surely will follow mortality, where His mercy will satisfy the demands of justice and encircle me and mine, and you and yours, in the arms of safety.”
This is an excellent talk. It is a really good idea to make a list of what your membership in the church means to you. This list can help you through your trials. It can give you strength to bear the burdens that are placed upon you. I hope that you will take the time to read this wonderful talk and start a list of your own.