Mercy

Our Heavenly Father knows our weaknesses and sins.

He shows mercy when He forgives us of our sins and helps

us return to dwell in His presence.

Such compassion may seem to conflict with the law of

justice, which requires that no unclean thing be permitted to

dwell with God (see 1 Nephi 10:21). But the Atonement of

Jesus Christ made it possible for God to “be a perfect, just

God, and a merciful God also” (Alma 42:15).

Receiving God’s Mercy

The Savior satisfied the demands of justice when He

stood in our place and suffered the penalty for our sins.

Because of this selfless act, the Father can mercifully withhold

punishment from us and welcome us into His presence.

To receive the Lord’s forgiveness, we must sincerely repent

of our sins. As the prophet Alma taught, “Justice exerciseth

all his demands, and also mercy claimeth all which is her

own; and thus, none but the truly penitent are saved” (Alma

42:24; see also verses 22–23, 25).

Forgiveness of sin is not the only gift of mercy from

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Every blessing you receive

is an act of mercy, more than you could ever merit on your

own. Mormon taught, “All things which are good cometh of

Christ; otherwise men were fallen, and there could no good

thing come unto them” (Moroni 7:24). For example, you are

a recipient of divine mercy when Heavenly Father hears and

answers your prayers, when you receive guidance from the

Holy Ghost, and when you are healed from sickness through

priesthood power. Although all such blessings come as

results of your obedience, you could never receive them

through your efforts alone. They are merciful gifts from a

loving and compassionate Father.

Showing Mercy for Others

Speaking to His disciples, the Savior commanded: “Be ye

. . . merciful, as your Father also is merciful” (Luke 6:36). You

can follow your Heavenly Father’s example of mercy in your

relationships with others. Strive to rid your life of arrogance,

pride, and conceit. Seek ways to be compassionate, respectful,

forgiving, gentle, and patient, even when you are aware of

others’ shortcomings. As you do so, your example will lead

others to be more merciful, and you will have greater claim

on the mercy of God.

Additional references: Matthew 5:7; Luke 10:25–37; Alma 34:14–16

See also Charity; Forgiveness; Grace; Justice