In the Book of Mormon we read that mercy cannot rob justice. God brings about His eternal purposes which were prepared from the foundation of the world. Those who are willing to come will partake of salvation and redemption, but those who refuse will suffer destruction and misery. No one is compelled to come, but their decision will bring consequences. Those who desired to do evil and refused to repent will suffer evil consequences. We need to never deny the justice of God as an excuse to avoid repentance. Instead,we need to allow the mercy of God to have full sway in our hearts to bring us unto humble repentance. Alma 43: 25-31 "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. And thus God bringeth about his great and eternal purposes, which were prepared from the foundation of the world. And thus cometh about the salvation and the redemption of men, and also their destruction and misery. Therefore, O my son, whosoever will come may come and partake of the waters of life freely; and whosoever will not come the same is not compelled to come; but in the last day it shall be restored unto him according to his deeds. If he has desired to do evil, and has not repented in his days, behold, evil shall be done unto him, according to the restoration of God. And now, my son, I desire that ye should let these things trouble you no more, and only let your sins trouble you, with that trouble which shall bring you down unto repentance. 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. And now, O my son, ye are called of God to preach the word unto this people. And now, my son, go thy way, declare the word with truth and soberness, that thou mayest bring souls unto repentance, that the great plan of mercy may have claim upon them. And may God grant unto you even according to my words. Amen."
In the New Testament we read that Jesus' Kingdom was not of this world. He was born and came into this world for one reason--to testify to the truth. And whoever accepts the truth, listens to His voice. John 18:36-37 "Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice."
A verse with a thought booklet asks the question of whose approval we seek--that of other people or that of God? If our main goal is to please other people rather than God, we are not the servants of Christ. It really doesn't matter what others think of us, as long as our lives are pleasing to the Lord. His is the only approval that is really important. Galatians 1:10 "For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ."
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