I was contemplating the word mercy the other day, a term we commonly use in a Christian society. The subject came to mind because it struck me that it is primarily an attribute we ascribe to God, when in reality, we should view it as an attribute that had better belong to each of us. Christ is our exemplar and when we stand before Him one day we should be able to have the confidence to know that we have, during our lives on earth, at least developed some of His attributes. Mercy, is an attribute that we hope He will have an abundance of for us at the time we are judged. Mercy represents His power and willingness to overlook or forgive some of our short comings. He, in fact, sacrificed His life so that He could justify the use of mercy in our behalf.
The mercy that we give others cost us nothing and yet we mortals may carry grudges and be unforgiving for years to those we may feel have wronged us. It is a negative burden that most of us do not have the strength to carry. Most importantly, it is an unnecessary burden, that prevents us from progressing spiritually. Our mercy, in behalf of others, is the only thing that will allow us to forgive and to cast off our burdens.
If we don’t exercise mercy in behalf of others, the Lord may not be justified in exercising mercy in our behalf. (See Matt 18:23–35— Parable of forgiveness)
When we think of all the attributes of godliness that we should be developing, we know that Christlike Love or Charity is the primary characteristic—as all else is as sounding brass and tinkling symbols. Why is that? Because if you have charity, mercy and other positive attributes will be second nature. Most of us will probably be deficient in the attribute of charity, so we should, at least, develop the attribute of mercy for others.
The Lord’s mercy applies to repentant sinners, both in this life and for those in the spirit world. We too, can demonstrate our mercy for those beyond the veil by providing the necessary earthly ordinances that will allow them to benefit fully from His mercy eternally. All earthly things typify or are symbolic of Christ and His plan of Salvation and the mercy we show for our ancestors by doing their earthly ordinances is symbolic of His mercy and sacrifice for all mankind.
Joseph Smith said, “The greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us, is to seek after our dead, because we cannot be saved without them.” Why can we not be saved without them? I believe, because Christ cannot justify mercy on our behalf when we have shown no mercy for them. May God bless us to develop enough of that godly attribute to make it possible for both our ancestors and we, as individuals and families to be saved together.