The lesson of the Sixty is that God does not continue to punish us for the past, but that He is ready to forget, move on and bless us with the future in mind. Think of those married outside the temple who later get sealed. Think of those who have been prospective Elders for years before finally receiving the higher priesthood. The priesthood blessings they offer are equally as powerful as that of a long-standing Elder. Think of those who walk back into the chapel after years away. The question should never be, “Where have you been?” The healing statement should always be a forward-looking statement: “We are so grateful you are here.” The question for those who return to the Lord later is never, “Why did you come so late?” I can just hear a loving God say, “I am glad you are here. I needed you, I missed you, I love you, I forgive you; now watch what I can do with you.”  
Elder Donald L. Hallstrom said, “Well, we meet in this priesthood meeting because who we are, is not who we can become” (2014 April GC “What manner of men?). The purpose of the gospel of Jesus Christ is to restore, heal and change the Sixty into who they can become.