"All of us at some time, and some of us much of the time, suffer remorse of conscience for things we did wrong or things left undone. That feeling of guilt is to the spirit what pain is to the physical body.
"But guilt can be harder to bear than physical pain. Physical pain is nature's warning system that signals something needs to be changed or cleansed or treated, perhaps even removed by surgery. Guilt, the pain in our conscience, cannot be healed that same way.
"For some reason, we think the Atonement of Christ applies only at the end of mortal life to redemption from the fall, from spiritual death. It is much more than that. It is an ever-present power to call upon in everyday life. When we are racked or harrowed up or tormented by guilt or burdened with grief, he can heal us.
"The Atonement has practical, personal, everyday value; apply it in your life. It can be activated with so simple a beginning as prayer. You will not thereafter be free from trouble and mistakes, but you can erase the guilt through repentance and be at peace.
"Justice requires that there be punishment. Guilt is not erased without pain. There are laws to obey and ordinances to receive, and there are penalties to pay.
"Physical pain requires treatment and a change in lifestyle. So it is with spiritual pain. There must be repentance and discipline, most of which is self-discipline. But to restore our innocence, after serious transgressions, there must be confession to our bishop, who is the appointed judge.
"That spiritual 'heart surgery,' like in the body, may cause you pain and require a change in habits and conduct. But in both cases, recovery brings renewed life and peace of mind."