I’m not an active member of the Church, but I must say I really enjoy your website. Pardon the vague/abstract nature of my question, but do you think that when He judges us. Heavenly Father takes into consideration extenuating circumstances when it comes to sin that a person has committed? I’m not trying to imply that God would simply let us off the hook or excuse or disregard the sin, but do you think that He would show compassion when taking into consideration the circumstances(such as a personal or moral weakness)or does he view sin as completely black and white without any consideration to extenuating factors?
Drew
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Drew,
Thank you for taking the time to ask your question and I am grateful you really enjoy this website. First, when we contemplate God’s mercy, his love, his grace, and his justice we must recognize that the Lord, himself, once said, “For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.” (John 3:17)
Second, when we contemplate the Lord’s willingness to lay down his life that we
might be saved, it is important that we contemplate this verse also, “For I the Lord cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance;” (Doctrine and Covenants 1:31)
In light of these two verses, our extenuating circumstances do not excuse the depth of our choices to sin. Will they be taken into account? I believe they will, however, as children of God we have all been provided the light of Christ, to know good from evil, sin from virtue, and the Lord will take into account our knowledge and what we have been taught.
In every circumstance, despite our extenuating circumstances, it is better that we choose not to sin.
Gramps
