Week 102: Mercy and Justice

Hello Friends and Family,

I wish I could put into words the feelings I've been having. My time here in South Africa has been something I will forever treasure.

Elder Gabriel and I have been volunteering at a home for the mentally disabled. For people with down syndrome, autism, and other disabilities. This has brought a special light and joy to Elder Gabriel and I every Tuesday and Wednesday morning. We have been able to serve around such sweet spirits and interact with others not of our faith.

I was asked to lead the Elders Quorum discussion in the Centurion 2nd ward yesterday. The discussion was on Elder Tad R. Callisters talk about the Atonement of Jesus Christ. I was anticipating just the Elders Quorum, but after sacrament meeting the bishop invited the entire Relief Society to join us as well. During my preparation for the discussion I was able to better understand the relationship between mercy and justice. Elder Callister shared a story, which follows:

"Suppose for a moment a man contemplating an exhilarating free fall makes a rash decision and spontaneously jumps from a small plane. After doing so, he quickly realizes the foolishness of his actions. He wants to land safely, but there is an obstacle—the law of gravity. He moves his arms with astounding speed, hoping to fly, but to no avail. He positions his body to float or glide to slow the descent, but the law of gravity is unrelenting and unmerciful. He tries to reason with this basic law of nature: “It was a mistake. I will never do it again.” But his pleas fall on deaf ears. The law of gravity knows no compassion; it makes no exceptions. Fortuitously, though, the man suddenly feels something on his back. His friend in the plane, sensing the moment of foolishness, had placed a parachute there just before the jump. He finds the rip cord and pulls it. Relieved, he floats safely to the ground. We might ask, “Was the law of gravity violated, or did that parachute work within that law to provide a safe landing?”

In this story mercy is compared to the parachute. Justice is compared to the law of gravity. If the parachute would have deployed on its own it would have robbed justice. However, because the man finally came to his senses and realized the parachute was there and pulled the ripcord the parachute worked within the law of gravity/justice. Likewise in our lives, when we sin we foolishly jump out of the plane. Like this man we have a friend who placed a parachute on our back, Jesus Christ. The only way for us not to fall to our imminent death (spiritual death) is to realize that there is only one way to overcome our rash decision (sin) which is through the parachute (Atonement of Jesus Christ) and that we must through our own conscious decision pull the rip cord (repent).

Alma 42: 24-25

24 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.
25 What, do ye suppose that mercy can rob justice? I say unto you, Nay; not one whit. If so, God would cease to be God.

I am eternally grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who through his mercy and love provided a way for us to overcome sin. I know that as we humble ourselves, and pull the ripcord which has been provided for us, we may each land safely and return to live with our Heavenly Father once again.
Love, Elder Rash