*Saturday Morning Session

Peace of conscience was the central theme of Richard G. Scott’s message during the Saturday morning session of the 174 annual General Conference.

“In these times of increasing uncertainty there is so much heartache, anguish, and suffering through the world that could be avoided by understanding and applying truth,” he said. “God wants each of His children to enjoy the transcendent blessing of peace of conscience.”

He defined peace of conscience as the foundation for happiness. It is free from anguish, sorrow, guilt, shame, and self-condemnation.

Peace of mind, however, is something that can often be affected by outside sources, such as concern for a “wayward child, economic pressures, real or imagined offenses, deteriorating world conditions, or more to do that sufficient time to do it.”

“An unsettled mind is temporary, transitory,” Elder Scott said. “Not so with a troubled conscience, for it is unrelenting, ever present, a constant reminder of the need to correct your past mistakes.”

He warned church members against attempting to rid themselves of these feelings through any other means than repentance.

An unsettled conscience, a feeling prompted by the Light of Christ, is a gift from God given to us to help guide us in the right direction.

“[The Light of Christ] prompts all rational individuals throughout the earth to distinguish truth from error, right from wrong,” he said. “It is a power and influence that comes from God and when followed can lead a person to qualify for the guidance and inspiration of the Holy Ghost.”

Repentance is key to having peace of conscience.

“You can regain peace of conscience by repenting of personal transgressions that cause you internal turmoil,” he said. “ Then peace of mind can be secured by resolving the external pressures that cause you temporary anxiety, worry, and distress.”

Elder Scott reviewed the steps of repentance, including confession, abandonment of sin, restitution, obedience, and seeking forgiveness. He also stressed importance forgiving others.

“If as an innocent victim you have been seriously wronged, don’t harbor feelings of hatred, anger at what appears to be unjust,” Elder Scott said. “To do that many require an enormous effort on your part. Such forgiveness is most difficult, but it is the sure path to peace and healing.”

More important than anything else is the conviction that forgiveness comes through Jesus Christ. It is only on His terms that we can be forgiven, and if we have faith, we will receive help from Him in our endeavors to be forgiven.

Elder Scott closed his address by pleading with church members who have committed sins to “come back.”

“Don’t wait until all is in perfect order,” he said. “We will walk beside you. We love you. Please come back.”



Copyright Brigham Young University 3 Oct 2004