I wrote yesterday about Abinadi's commitment to the truth and his willingness to sacrifice convenience, status, and even his life for it. He maintained this integrity in spite of severe personal hardship because he was able to take the long view. As he told King Noah and his priests, "I finish my message; and then... Continue Reading →
Justice and Mercy
Today I've been pondering the relationship between two of God's attributes: justice and mercy. Multiple Book of Mormon prophets teach us that God is both just and merciful, including Lehi (2 Nephi 2:12), Nephi (2 Nephi 11:5), Jacob (Jacob 4:10), King Benjamin (Mosiah 5:15), Alma (Alma 42:15), and Mormon (3 Nephi 26:5, Mormon 6:22). It's... Continue Reading →
What Is the Meaning of the Phrase “Vengeance Is Mine?”
Near the end of his life, Moses recited a song to the Israelite people. The song affirms God's steady support for the children of Israel and prophesies that they will be unfaithful to Him in spite of everything He has done for them. It says that they will worship other gods and provoke Him to... Continue Reading →
Reprove with Equity- 2 Nephi 30:8-10
8 And it shall come to pass that the Lord God shall commence his work among all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people, to bring about the restoration of his people upon the earth. 9 And with righteousness shall the Lord God judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth. And... Continue Reading →
According to His Justice and Mercy – Mormon 6:21-22
21 And the day soon cometh that your mortal must put on immortality, and these bodies which are now moldering in corruption must soon become incorruptible bodies; and then ye must stand before the judgment-seat of Christ, to be judged according to your works; and if it so be that ye are righteous, then are... Continue Reading →
A Perfect, Just God, and a Merciful God Also – Alma 42:15
15 And now, the plan of mercy could not be brought about except an atonement should be made; therefore God himself atoneth for the sins of the world, to bring about the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice, that God might be a perfect, just God, and a merciful God also. 16... Continue Reading →
Standing Betwixt Them and Justice – Mosiah 15:8-9
8 And thus God breaketh the bands of death, having gained the victory over death; giving the Son power to make intercession for the children of men— 9 Having ascended into heaven, having the bowels of mercy; being filled with compassion towards the children of men; standing betwixt them and justice; having broken the bands... Continue Reading →
That He Might Not Bring upon Him Injustice – Alma 55:19
19 But behold, this was not the desire of Moroni; he did not delight in murder or bloodshed, but he delighted in the saving of his people from destruction; and for this cause he might not bring upon him injustice, he would not fall upon the Lamanites and destroy them in their drunkenness.(Alma 55:19)Moroni had... Continue Reading →
How Merciful and Just Are All the Dealings of the Lord – Alma 50:19-23
19 And thus we see how merciful and just are all the dealings of the Lord, to the fulfilling of all his words unto the children of men; yea, we can behold that his words are verified, even at this time, which he spake unto Lehi, saying:20 Blessed art thou and thy children; and they... Continue Reading →
