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.
Alma invites his son to let the principles of the gospel work upon his thoughts and feelings. "Don't deny justice to make yourself feel better about sin," he pleads, "but don't deny the mercy of the atonement, either, and cripple yourself with guilt. Let them work together." Justice demands that we do our best. Mercy acknowledges that our best is never good enough, and so it makes provisions for mistakes and shortcomings so we are not eternally condemned while we learn. Taken together, it is a glorious plan for happiness.
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