1) To prepare for the sacrament of reconciliation, one should reflect on the Ten Commandments and think about sins committed against them. This helps identify unloving thoughts and actions. 2) It is important to have genuine contrition and decide to sin no more by changing one's heart. 3) One then confesses sins to a priest, who represents God and the community, and receives forgiveness. Completing the penance assigned helps make amends. Jesus offers victory over sin through love and wants all to experience forgiveness.