The Master of The Healer's Art

I have heard various forms of "sinning just adds burden or suffering to the Savior".  This is usually followed by instruction to avoid sin.

It's good to remember that the Savior's atonement covers every forgivable sin.  He did this for every person who has, is, and will live.  Justice set the price for sin and the Savior paid it, willingly.  As a result, He alone dictates the conditions under which He extends mercy.  The condition to receive this gift?   Repentance.  It's not quite that simple, but it is a critical element.

Here's another way to consider the idea of "adding burden" to the Savior.  The belief that you can add anything to His infinite atonement demonstrates a misunderstanding of the qualifier "infinite" of "infinite atonement".  The Atonement was complete and infinite - encompassing all things.  If we believe in the infinite nature of the atonement, we can not commit any sin for which Jesus Christ has not already paid the price.  Therefore we can not add any new burden to our Savior.

However, we do have one thing (and only one thing) we can do which limits the power of the atonement in our life - choosing to not repent or to harden our hearts and wills.  If we could add any burden or sorrow to the Savior, it would be choosing sin over His love.  Choosing sin renders His free gift through His suffering in Gethsemane ineffectual for us.

I am amazed at the Savior’s encircling arms of mercy and love for the repentant, no matter how selfish the forsaken sin. I testify that the Savior is able and eager to forgive our sins. (emphasis my own) [1]

We have within our reach the free gift which enables us to move beyond sin to the healing and love of our Savior who lovingly and willingly paid the terrible price demanded by justice.  He became our merciful creditor.

The Savior often sought the individual, the lost sheep and often "left the 99".  The Atonement likewise is individual and personal.  It is real.  It guides us individually back to the fold we strayed from.

The price has already been paid and, like the father of the prodigal son, I believe Jesus Christ rejoices when we return to His discipleship - no matter how long we have been away or how far we strayed or how broken and damaged we may feel.  His capacity to bring peace to our souls, bind and heal our wounds, and repair our brokenness exceeds our comprehension.