The Savior Wants to Forgive Sins

I was thinking again about the enabling power of the Atonement, and thought about a talk from Elder Craig A. Cardon from the April 2011 General Conference:  "The Savior Wants to Forgive Sins."  A few things in particular stood out to me:

In this forgiveness we see the enabling and the redeeming power of the Atonement harmoniously and graciously applied. If we exercise faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the enabling power of His Atonement strengthens us in our moment of need, and His redeeming power sanctifies us as we “[put] off the natural man.” This brings hope to all, especially to those who feel that recurring human weakness is beyond the Savior’s willingness to help and to save.

I've struggled again this morning with my anxiety because of many stressors in my life at the moment, not the least of which is trying to figure out how to help my wife during her pregnancy and how best to prepare to become a father.  As I was pondering on these things, this talk came back into my mind, especially since I have been struggling because of thinking errors in feeling as if I am not a good person.  Though much evidence says contrary to this, especially in my desire and willingness to serve God and others, yet it still is difficult for me to get by these thoughts of lack of self-worth.


It has been more difficult in this bout with anxiety as I had such a wonderful weekend and felt that perhaps I might be finally free from the effects of my anxiety disorder.  Yet, I know that the Lord will continue to heal me if I don't give up, and if I continue to strive to overcome my difficulties and seek to keep His commandments.

It is so neat to ponder on the Savior's Atonement, that even if I were in rebellion and full of sin, Christ and Heavenly Father would still love me.  More importantly, it helps uplift me to feel that they love me despite my weaknesses even when, in my difficulties and struggles in thinking properly, I feel all around me hate me for my mistakes.

It is also neat to see the growth I have made, and how it is okay not yet to be perfect.  I sure love my Heavenly Father, who seeks to remind me that it is okay just to be me, and to be the best me that I can be.  No more is required from Him than this.