Lesson 7 Teacher Material

Embracing the Justice, Mercy, and Love of God

From Lectures on Faith we learn that to exercise faith in God requires us to have “a correct idea of His character and attributes” ([1985], 38). In this lesson students will have the opportunity to explain how God’s attributes of justice and mercy are manifestations of His divine love. They will also consider what they can do to show their gratitude for God’s perfect love and the Savior’s atoning sacrifice.

Suggestions for Teaching

Enoch and Alma teach about the divine attributes of justice, mercy, and love.

You could begin this lesson by displaying the following statement:

• In the Old Testament, Jehovah administers harsh and exacting justice. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is forgiving and merciful. I prefer to believe in the God of the New Testament over the God of the Old Testament.

• What problems do you see with this statement?

• Why is it important to understand and accept both justice and mercy as divine attributes?

• What problems can we create for ourselves and others if we focus on justice and ignore mercy or focus on mercy and ignore justice?

Consider writing on the board justice, mercy, and love. Invite students to form small groups. Explain that they will be given a handout with instructions that will help them deepen their understanding of the relationship between God’s justice, mercy, and love.

The Justice and Love of God

Jesus Christ and His Everlasting Gospel Teacher Material—Lesson 7

Before you start your group discussion, read together the following discussion tip:

Improving Our Group Discussions

Strive for balanced participation. We learn best when we hear from all group members, not just one or two. If you are naturally outgoing and talkative, please be careful to not take over discussions, interrupt, or talk over others. If you are naturally quiet and less talkative, please be courageous and speak up so others can learn from you. Set aside the idea that your opinion does not matter.

Read aloud the following scenario together:

Zane feels overwhelmed by the laws and commandments of God. For a long time, he has felt like he is just not good enough and always falls short. Discouraged by his lack of “progress,” he recently has fallen into a pattern of serious transgression. He feels a loss of the Spirit. He is no longer worthy to have a temple recommend. He wonders if God still loves him, because of his poor choices. He recently said to his friend Maia, “My life is worthless. I am pretty sure God has given up on me.” In response Maia said, “Don’t worry about it. God loves us unconditionally and He will save you regardless of what you have done. That is what the Atonement of Jesus Christ is for.”

Briefly review the conditions that preceded the Flood. Then review Moses 7:28–29, 32–33, 37, and look for what Enoch learned about the nature of God from watching Him see His disobedient children suffer. Then discuss the following questions:

• What truths from these verses could help Zane realize that Heavenly Father loves him even though he has broken the commandments? How could this knowledge help improve Zane’s relationship with Heavenly Father? (You could read Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s statement in section 1 of the preparation material as part of this discussion.)

• In what way is God’s justice, sometimes manifested by His anger or wrath, an evidence of His love? (Consider reading together the statement by President Dallin H. Oaks in section 1 of the preparation material.) If God were not just, how might this weaken our faith in Him?

• What might be misleading about Maia’s perspective on God’s love? (It might be helpful to read Elder D. Todd Christofferson’s statement in section 1.) What might be some better ways to describe God’s love? In what ways have you experienced God’s love?

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The Justice and Love of God

Jesus Christ and His Everlasting Gospel Teacher Material—Lesson 7

After allowing plenty of time for group discussion, you could invite students to share truths or insights they felt were especially important to their group discussion.

You might continue discussing Zane’s and Maia’s views about God by briefly mentioning the choices Corianton made while serving a mission (see Alma 39:1–5). Review Alma 42:15, 22, 24–25 to learn what Alma taught Corianton about justice, mercy, and Jesus Christ.

• How could a correct understanding of Jesus Christ’s Atonement help Zane reframe how he views his inadequacies, mistakes, and sins? How might Zane’s attitude and actions change if he learned what it means to be “truly penitent”? (see Alma 42:24).

• What would you say is misleading about Maia’s view of the Atonement of Jesus Christ? What would you adjust about her view to make it more consistent with Alma’s teachings?

• How might Zane’s life change if he were to put less focus on his own failures and more focus on the Savior’s desire to give second chances? (You may want to review the statements by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf and Elder Lynn G. Robbins in section 2 of the preparation material.) How has focusing on the Savior’s patience and mercy blessed your life?

To end class you could display the following truths with their related questions. Invite students to choose one of these truths and then record their thoughts and feelings in response to the questions:

• God feels deep sorrow when we suffer because of our disobedience. (See Moses 7:37.)

• What are your thoughts or feelings as you think about Heavenly Father weeping when you suffer because of your disobedience? What could you do to show your gratitude for His perfect concern and love?

• Through His Atonement, Jesus Christ satisfied the demands of justice so we can repent and receive mercy. (See Alma 42:24.)

• What are your thoughts or feelings as you think about Jesus Christ satisfying the demands of justice so you can repent and receive mercy? What can you do to show your gratitude for the atoning sacrifice He made for you?

For Next Time

During the week, consider sending the following message, or one you create, to your students: As you read the preparation material for lesson 8, think of the different ways Jesus Christ can succor (help or support) you and those you love. Consider watching the short video “Succor His People” (0:42) with Elder Jeffrey R. Holland.