We all make mistakes. We all fall short of our own expectations and of what we know we should do. Often, those errors are a result of inexperience, misunderstanding, or lack of context. Those are a normal part of the process of learning and growth. Sometimes, the errors are intentional, as we refuse to accept wise counsel, prioritize temporary desires over eternal goals, or ignore the impact of our decisions on others.
God takes into consideration what we know (or what we should know) as He invites us to course-correct. Several Book of Mormon prophets, including King Benjamin and Abinadi, teach that little children are blameless because their mistakes are not intentional. (See Mosiah 3:11, 16; Mosiah 15:24-25.) After making these assurances, however, both prophets warn their listeners against intentionally committing sins. (See Mosiah 3:12, Mosiah 15:26.)
As Alma preached to the people of Ammonihah, he contrasted their unrighteousness with that of their sworn enemies, the Lamanites. “There are many promises which are extended to the Lamanites,” he explained, “for it is because of the traditions of their fathers that caused them to remain in their state of ignorance; therefore the Lord will be merciful unto them and prolong their existence in the land” (Alma 9:16). On the other hand, “I say unto you that If ye persist in your wickedness that your days shall not be prolonged in the land” (Alma 9:18). He spoke of the seriousness of making wrong choices when they had been given so much “light and knowledge” and urged them not to equate those choices with errors committed in “ignorance.” (See Alma 9:16, 19, 23.)
Elder Richard G. Scott taught:
The joyful news for anyone who desires to be rid of the consequences of past poor choices is that the Lord sees weaknesses differently than He does rebellion. Whereas the Lord warns that unrepented rebellion will bring punishment, when the Lord speaks of weaknesses, it is always with mercy.
“Personal Strength through the Atonement of Jesus Christ,” General Conference, October 2013; note that this time has been quoted twice in subsequent general conference talks. See Bradley R. Wilcox, “Worthiness Is Not Flawlessness,” October 2021, and Elder Dale G. Renlund, “Your Divine Nature and Eternal Destiny,” April 2022.
Of course, Jesus Christ can help us overcome both intentional and unintentional errors, but the repentance process may be more involved in cases where we know better or should know better. In those cases, we may not only need education, but we may also need a changed heart. We may need to “school [our] feelings” as well as our thoughts.
Today, I will strive to be aware of the knowledge and motives which inform my decisions. When I make poor decisions through inexperience or lack of information, I will be patient with myself and grateful for the learning process. When I make a poor decision and should have known better, I will ponder my desires and seek the help of Lord to change my heart. I will be grateful that God can help me overcome both kinds of error through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
This is such a vital distinction to teach and to apply . We have all seen the danger of interpreting sin as rebellion when it is simply weakness . And vice versa ! Weakness is very much part of the human condition and the Lord can work well with our weakness as we recognize it as such. A great post ! Thanks 🙏
Thanks for the comment. I’m glad you enjoyed the post!