I have been pondering on the profound message contained in Reverend John Moxley’s recent column titled “What I want on my epitaph.” His conclusion was that, as sung by the Beatles, “All you need is love.”

In other words, as Paul taught, “Charity never faileth”! 1 Corinthians 13:8.

I am reminded of the immortal words: “Charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.”

In considering God’s boundless love for His children, another Beatles song comes to mind, “Golden Slumbers,” which includes these lyrics:

Once there was a way

To get back home.

In our eternal journey, the only way back to our Heavenly Father is through the infinite Atonement of Jesus Christ. The first principles of the gospel that we cherish are faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, followed by repentance.

Some see repentance as a downer, something we should avoid at all costs, but in reality repentance is a powerful act of faith. When we take steps to rectify our mistakes, we acknowledge a deep belief that our Savior cleanses us through His atoning sacrifice.

The process of repentance begins with “godly sorrow” (2 Corinthians 7:10), confession, abandoning the sin and restitution, followed by a commitment to live righteously and draw closer to God.

Russell M. Nelson, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, taught

“Nothing is more liberating, more ennobling, or more crucial to our individual progression than is a regular, daily focus on repentance. Repentance is not an event; it is a process. It is a key to happiness and peace of mind. When coupled with faith, repentance opens our access to the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”

Faith and repentance point along the covenant path toward temples. Members of the Church look to temples as houses of the Lord, and as places of learning where the Atonement of Jesus Christ and God’s eternal plan of happiness for His children are taught and discussed.

Church members across our region were thrilled at the announcement on Aug. 28 of architectural plans for the Richmond Temple, to be located at 10195 Staples Mill Road in Glen Allen. The temple, for which ground will be broken in 2020, will serve church members throughout Virginia, West Virginia, and northeastern North Carolina.

After an 18-month closure for extensive renovations, the Raleigh, North Carolina Temple, located at 574 Bryan Drive, Apex, North Carolina, will be rededicated on Oct. 13. Prior to the rededication, members of the public are welcome to tour the temple from Sept. 21-28, except Sunday, Sept. 22. No reservations are needed. Tours and activities will be hosted Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

For more information about temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, visit http://temples.churchofjesuschrist.org.

Brent Roberts is the Elders Quorum President in the Sandy River Branch, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and also Dean of Greenwood Library at Longwood University. He can be reached at brentsroberts@hotmail.com.