Justice and Mercy – Sunday, November 16, 1941
Whenever the subject of justice is discussed, there are always some who would rather talk about mercy. Justice is not usually attractive to a man facing judgement. Mercy is much more to his liking. But the question arises: Can mercy be permitted to set aside the operation of justice?
What about the man, for example, whose personal life is unworthy, but who gives great gifts to charity? What about the man of creative talents whose works enrich the heritage of mankind, but whose record will not otherwise bear scrutiny?
In answer to such questions it should be said that justice would demand that all men will receive reward for all the good they accomplish, but reward is of different kinds, and the hereafter is of different degrees of glory. Even the worst sinner will receive his reward for the occasional good he does. And even the most worthy of men will be penalized for his departure of good. That this is a just procedure no one will deny—but there are some men who feel that they cannot afford to be satisfied with justice and they want to know—What about mercy and forgiveness?
It is true that upon sincere repentance all may be forgiven, but this forgiveness—this quality of mercy—does not mean that justice can be denied its satisfaction. Justice does not permit, and mercy does not imply, that the offender will, upon confession of his shortcomings and the promise of doing better, be given the reward of him who has done no offense. For it is written: “There is a law given, and a punishment affixed, and a repentance granted; * * * and mercy claimeth the penitent * * * and thus they are restored into His presence, to be judged according to their works; according to the law and justice. For behold, justice exerciseth all his demands, and also mercy claimeth all which is her own; and thus, none but the truly penitent are saved. Do ye suppose that mercy can rob justice? I say unto you, nay; not one whit. * * * O my son, I desire that ye should deny the justice of God no more.
Do not endeavor to excuse yourself in the least point because of your sins, by denying the justice of God, but do you let the justice of God, and His mercy, and His long suffering have full sway in your heart, and let it bring you down to the dust in humility.” (Book of Mormon, Alma 42:13-30) Every man will pay the penalties for his offenses, and having paid them, mercy may claim him, and he may go on to further progress in life, here and hereafter, with full forgiveness. That is the meaning of mercy. Your good men, your half-bad men, and your mostly bad men will all receive justice and mercy, but justice will demand an accurate accounting before mercy offers forgiveness. It is not a safe thing for men to rely upon the mercy of God without reckoning also with His justice.
November 16, 1941
Broadcast Number 0,639