Just as we are commanded to forgive others, our merciful Heavenly Father promises to forgive us. Although we may understand this promise, it can be difficult to know if we’ve been forgiven. Three actions can help us feel God’s forgiveness: repenting, recognizing the Spirit, and reflecting on Jesus Christ. 

First, repenting. President Dallin H. Oaks defined repentance as “giving up all of our practices—personal, family, ethnic, and national—that are contrary to the commandments of God.” As we make small changes in our life to become more aligned with God’s will, we are repenting! 

Second, recognizing the Spirit. Wilford Woodruff taught, “There is need for us to repent and humble ourselves before the Lord our God, that we may have and enjoy more of the Holy Spirit to prepare us for that which lies before us.” Recognizing feelings of peace, direction, comfort, and guidance can indicate that the Spirit is present in our lives and that God has accepted our repentance. 

And third, reflecting on our Savior. Sometimes we can get lost in guilt and shame, making it hard to feel like we’ve been forgiven. But as we reflect on God’s promises to us and understand the Savior’s infinite Atonement, we can feel peace and assurance that God will welcome us home. 

As we sincerely repent, recognize the spirit, and reflect on Jesus Christ and His Atonement, we can know and feel that God has forgiven us.