Freeagency

"To fully understand this gift of agency and its inestimable worth, it is imperative that we understand that God's chief way of acting is by persuasion and patience and long-suffering, not by coercion and stark confrontation. He acts by gentle solicitation and by sweet enticement. He always acts with unfailing respect for the freedom and independence that we possess. He wants to help us and pleads for the chance to assist us, but he will not do so in violation of our agency. He loves us too much to do that, and doing so would run counter to his divine character" (The Teachings of Howard W. Hunter, p. 78-79).

The importance of Mercy

"Our salvation rests upon the mercy we show to others. Unkind and cruel words, or wanton acts of cruelty toward man or beast, even though in seeming retaliation, disqualify the perpetrator in his claims for mercy when he has need of mercy in the day of judgment before earthly or heavenly tribunals. Is there one who has never been wounded by the slander of another whom he thought to be his friend? Do you remember the struggle you had to refrain from retribution? Blessed are all you who are merciful, for you shall obtain mercy!" (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, p. 200).

A sobering reminder that in order for us to have a hope in being forgiven that we must FIRST forgive, we must FIRST show mercy and must FIRST show love in order for any of these saintly virtues to be extended on our behalf. Life is an interesting process and I seek to do better and seek to be more. May each of us seek so to do. CP