![]() So rather than giving a detailed list of things that you must confess to your bishop, let me share some principles that will help you make that decision. Regarding repentance, King Benjamin taught, “I cannot tell you all the things whereby ye may commit sin for there are divers ways and means, even so many that I cannot number them” ( Mosiah 4:29). You may be thinking, “That all sounds good, but how can I know if what I have done is serious enough that I need to talk to the bishop?” The short answer: “Your conscience will tell you.” When you feel the sting of conscience, act immediately (see Alma 34:31–34). He may ask you to visit with him each week to report how you are doing in removing yourself from tempting situations. He may encourage you to study a doctrinal topic, such as repentance, and then to share with him what you have learned. Your bishop will counsel you on what to do to strengthen your ability to resist temptation. ![]() He will work with you and determine when you are worthy again to resume those sacred activities. For example, as part of your repentance process, he may ask you to refrain from partaking of the sacrament or exercising the priesthood for a period of time. If the sin is serious enough, he may determine that your privileges in the Church should be restricted. The bishop can help you through the repentance process in ways your parents or other leaders are unable to provide. By ordination and righteous living, the bishop is entitled to revelation from the Holy Ghost regarding the members of his ward, including you. He has the responsibility to determine the worthiness of the members of his ward. Although your parents and leaders can provide necessary support and counsel, the Lord has declared that the bishop is a common judge in Israel (see D&C 107:72, 74). Many youth feel more comfortable confessing their mistakes to their parents or youth leaders. Photo illustrations by Christina Smith Why the Bishop and Not Someone Else? ![]()
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