"I would give away all my sins just to know Thee"

Maray na aga po,

 

This week was bittersweet. I had my last exchanges with Sister Geralde, my trainer before she goes home. I can't believe I've known her for a year now! She's my best friend and I'm going to miss her so much.

Sr. Geralde when I first arrived a year ago!

Sr. Geralde now!

Everyone deserves to hear the Gospel

One thing Sister Haviland and I always talk about is how it is so strange how someone can believe in God and yet be so stubborn to let go of silly things like cockfighting in order to receive the full blessings of repentance.

I love the story in Alma 22 about the repentance of King Lamoni's father. In Chapter 20 when his mortal life is threatened, he is willing to give up half of his kingdom in order to avoid death. After Aaron teaches him about man's fallen state and Jesus's Atonement for the redemption of mankind he is ready to give ALL that he possessed in order to repent, be changed and receive that "great joy". 

God doesn't want our possessions, even if we give all our time, talent and effort that would never reconcile us to God because we all fall short of His glory. We must humble ourselves, and forsake ALL our sins in order to receive the hope and the joy of redemption. The king did just that and cried out to God: 

"I would give away all my sins just to know Thee." 

We must be ready to give away all our sins. Even the silly ones. Imagine giving away your eternal salvation to watch two chickens fight. Or coffee. Or your favorite swear words. We all have sins that we try to justify but in order to truly repent, we must forsake and give way all our sins. He suffered EVERYTHING for us. What are we willing to do for Him? What are we willing to let go?

I invite you to recognize in yourself those silly things that are stopping you from being fully reconciled to God in order to receive this fullness of joy that comes from true repentance.

Have a great week!

-Sister Gray

It was a really fun Family Home evening we swear, some Filipinos just don't smile in pictures! Haha!