In the Book of Mormon we read that if there was no law there could be no sin nor repentance nor punishment for sin. If there was no law given against sin, men wouldn't be afraid to sin. Neither justice nor mercy would have claim on him. If the works of justice were destroyed, God would cease to be God. But of course God does not cease to be God and mercy claims those who repent, through the atonement of Christ. The dead are resurrected and brought back into the presence of God where they are judged for their works. Both justice and mercy are served and none but the truly penitent are saved. Alma 43: 16-24 "Now, repentance could not come unto men except there were a punishment, which also was eternal as the life of the soul should be, affixed opposite to the plan of happiness, which was as eternal also as the life of the soul. Now, how could a man repent except he should sin? How could he sin if there was no law? How could there be a law save there was a punishment? Now, there was a punishment affixed, and a just law given, which brought remorse of conscience unto man. Now, if there was no law given—if a man murdered he should die—would he be afraid he would die if he should murder? And also, if there was no law given against sin men would not be afraid to sin. And if there was no law given, if men sinned what could justice do, or mercy either, for they would have no claim upon the creature? But there is a law given, and a punishment affixed, and a repentance granted; which repentance, mercy claimeth; otherwise, justice claimeth the creature and executeth the law, and the law inflicteth the punishment; if not so, the works of justice would be destroyed, and God would cease to be God. But God ceaseth not to be God, and mercy claimeth the penitent, and mercy cometh because of the atonement; and the atonement bringeth to pass the resurrection of the dead; and the resurrection of the dead bringeth back men into the presence of God; 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."
In the New Testament we read that we are to love one another, just as Jesus loves us, and the Father loves Him. Just as Jesus kept the Father's commandments, so must we keep His commandments. If we do this, we will find joy. John 15:9-12 "As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you."
A verse with a thought booklet admonishes us to bear one another's burdens. When we see another person struggling, are we willing to give them our time and a listening ear? Do we try to help them? Sometimes just a word of encouragement can make all the difference to someone who is going through a difficult time. Galatians 6:2 "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."
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