Repentance and Forgiveness

Did you know that for the longest time, repentance and forgiveness were just regarded as religious ideas? That non-religious folk and the educational field did not regard this topic as a needed one. However, in recent decades since the 1990s, "repentance and forgiveness have become increasingly prominent in the professional literature. Mental health experts acknowledge that it is impossible to address emotional and physical well-being without considering the relevance of repentance and forgiveness".

Interesting. Very interesting.

Mental health has always been a prominent part of my own marriage. My wife deals with diagnosed anxiety and depression. Dealing with these things is crucial to a successful and happy marriage and family. In generations past, mental health was to be swept under the rug, cultural factors pressured affected individuals into suppressing detrimental mental health. For me, I have my own mental health problems. They cause more issues to our marriage than her diagnosed ones do. 

How does this then relate to the crucial aspect of repentance and forgiveness? Well, we have to work to better ourselves each day. Perhaps our difficulties and anxieties are just what we signed up for in the premortal realm. Perhaps they exist so we can learn how to change and grow (a key aspect of repentance). When I recognize my fallibilities, I have learned that I need to address them, not sweep them under the rug or be staunchly defensive about them. My wife is the reason for these changes, and forgiveness helps me to realize that my actions can be left behind me. That when forgiveness comes (both from her and the Lord), my scarlet sins can be made white again.

There is no comfort in growth, there is no growth in comfort. Repentance is not easy, but every religious and non-religious family needs to incorporate the foundational principles contained therein.