Guilt and Shame

As missionaries, we taught the "We all make mistakes in life, and these mistakes lead to feelings of guilt and shame. These feelings cannot be relieved without repentance and forgiveness. They can be fully healed through the Atonement of Christ (PMG pg 177)."

All of us know the pain that comes from guilt and shame. In fact, if we experience them enough, we may even forget what it feels like to be without them.

They are heavy burdens. They make every outcome seem bleak and painful.
Sometimes, they make us believe that we cannot get out. That we have gone too far.

I testify that this is not the case.

Elder Holland taught:

"Whoever you are and whatever you have done, you can be forgiven. 

Every one of you... can leave behind any transgression with which you may struggle. 

It is the miracle of forgiveness;

 it is the miracle of the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ."

But how do we access that Atonement? He goes on:

"But you cannot do it without an active commitment to the gospel, and you cannot do it without repentance where it is needed."

I have experienced this in a very real way. My Savior is loving. He is forgiving, if we but do our best to follow His teachings and keep His commandments. We must be willing to change. 

"Come unto Christ. Come unto Him, and by His grace be made holy again. 

His calling your name! He's waiting for you! Come unto Christ (youth.lds.org)"