For a discussion on mercy we will turn to one of the Lord's most merciful servants, Joseph Smith. Few men in history have been so routinely offended and betrayed by close friends, some of whom later begged his mercy. To one repentant traitor, Joseph mercifully declared, "when we read your letter—truly our hearts were melted into tenderness and compassion when we ascertained your resolves…Believing your confession to be real, and your repentance genuine, I shall be happy once again to give you the right hand of fellowship, and rejoice over the returning prodigal." (Teachings, pp. 165-6) It is no wonder that the forgiven man, William W. Phelps, later penned the words to the well-known hymn, "Praise to the Man." Joseph lived by the principle previously revealed through him, Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin. I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men. (DC 64:9-10, see also Matt 18:23-35)
Joseph Smith
"Ever keep in exercise the principles of mercy, and be ready to forgive our brother on the first intimations of repentance, and asking forgiveness; and should we even forgive our brother, or even our enemy, before he repent or ask forgiveness, our heavenly Father would be equally as merciful unto us.
"…Nothing is so much calculated to lead people to forsake sin as to take them by the hand, and watch over them with tenderness. When persons manifest the least kindness and love to me, O what power it has over my mind, while the opposite course has a tendency to harrow up all the harsh feelings and depress the human mind….The nearer we get to our heavenly Father, the more we are disposed to look with compassion on perishing souls; we feel that we want to take them upon our shoulders, and cast their sins behind our backs. My talk is intended for all this [relief] society; if you would have God have mercy on you, have mercy on one another. (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, pp.155, 240-1)
Harold B. Lee
"Our salvation rests upon the mercy we show to others. Unkind and cruel words, or wanton acts of cruelty toward man or beast, even though in seeming retaliation, disqualify the perpetrator in his claims for mercy when he has need of mercy in the day of judgment before earthly or heavenly tribunals. Is there one who has never been wounded by the slander of another whom he thought to be his friend? Do you remember the struggle you had to refrain from retribution? Blessed are all you who are merciful, for you shall obtain mercy!" (Stand Ye In Holy Places, p. 347)