Though separated by an ocean and several centuries of time, Paul and Moroni are doctrinal companions on many subjects. They both elaborate on how human weakness is given to foster meekness. Interestingly, Moroni is concerned with his writing style, but Paul was struggling with putting off the natural man. Like many of us, his weakness was carnal in nature. In his discussion, he gives us a great formula for overcoming sin, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor 12:7-9).
If the Lord‘s grace was sufficient for Moroni’s writing, and if the Lord’s grace was sufficient for Paul as he suffered with the buffetings of Satan, then the grace of the Lord is sufficient for us—no matter what the weakness—if we are sufficiently meek and humble.
Elder Neal A. Maxwell
“…it is not uncommon for individuals to feel that the temptations and the trials they face are simply too much for them to manage. Happily, we can feel overwhelmed and yet not be overwhelmed … Certain temptations are common to those who come to this earth. It is our task to deal with these common temptations in an uncommon manner. The Lord has promised to succor us in our temptations, reminding us that He ’knoweth the weakness of man and how to succor them who are tempted.’ (D&C 62:1.) He truly knows our infirmities firsthand because He has actually borne them. (Alma 7:11-12.)” (We Will Prove Them Herewith, pp. 40-41)
Thomas S. Monson
“Should there be anyone who feels he is too weak to change the onward and downward course of his life, or should there be those who fail to resolve to do better because of that greatest of fears—the fear of failure—there is no more comforting assurance to be had than these words of the Lord: ’My grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.’” (Conference Report, Nov. 1999 Ensign, “Priesthood Power”)
B. H. Roberts
“Have you in your moments of trial or deep sorrow felt the hand of a friend steal quietly into your hand, and by pressure express sympathy and brotherhood to you? I have fortunately had a few friends with whom I have had such experience as that, both men and women, a recollection that is among the precious treasures of my experience. But this passage, ’I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all those who humble themselves before me,’--in this, it seems to me, that I feel the hand of God slipping gently into my hand, and giving me the pressure of assurance that there will be mercy, that there will be helpfulness, that there will be encouragement from God. He will remember that we are but men and women in the making; and while not yet perfect, yet perhaps perfectable--which is the important thing. In that utterance in the Book of Mormon, I feel the richness of the grace of God, and assurances of success in hungering and thirsting after righteousness, for it shall be given unto us.” (Conference Report, Apr. 1928, p. 109)