16 And even if it were possible that little children could sin they could not be saved; but I say unto you they are blessed; for behold, as in Adam, or by nature, they fall, even so the blood of Christ atoneth for their sins.
Yesterday I wrote about how the doctrine of the Fall motivates us to humble ourselves, to acknowledge our sins, and to repent. Today, I’m thinking about how this doctrine can help us be more patient and forgiving of one another.
When the angel taught King Benjamin about the Fall and the Atonement, he specifically noted that little children are saved. The Savior’s suffering pays the price for anyone who sins in ignorance, as well as for those who repent. Little children may do things that are wrong, but they do so because of the fallen nature we all inherit when we enter mortal life. Those “sins” are paid for by the Atonement, as are all of the sins people commit simply because they don’t know better.
To me, this is a comforting doctrine. We all see people make mistakes every day, including ourselves. Many of those errors happen simply because our natural instincts are not in harmony with God’s will, and we have not yet learned to override those instincts. Heavenly Father understands that and has made provision for that reality in His plan: the blood of Christ “atoneth for the sins of those who have fallen by the transgression of Adam, who have died not knowing the will of God concerning them, or who have ignorantly sinned” (Mosiah 3:11).
Today, I will be patient with the people around me, and with myself. I will remember that we have all inherited proclivities which we must learn to overcome with God’s help. When we fall short, it doesn’t mean we’re failing. It just means we aren’t finished learning and developing yet. I will remember that the Savior has paid for the mistakes we make along the way as we mature and progress toward our divine potential.