In response to some argument/discussion on Facebook:
I don't care one way another about this little phrase. But I do feel that both the form of the message (how it is communicated, or its tone) and the content of the message (what is communicated) are important. There is such a fine line, or we could call it a straight and narrow path, that runs between righteousness bordering on self-righteousness and mercy bordering on permissiveness. If our tone or method for communicating or listening to a message is off or alienating, then the truths of the message won't get through, and if the truths are off the mark, then the tone can be sweet and alluring, but without any edification. Love and truth together form the perfect message, the end of argument and conflict, and humble acceptance that we are all willing to learn from and lift each other. What I do really love is sincere love. A wise man reportedly said:
“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.
It is one evidence that men are unacquainted with the principles of godliness to behold the contraction of affectionate feelings and lack of charity in the world. The power and glory of godliness is spread out on a broad principle to throw out the mantle of charity. God does not look on sin with allowance, but when men have sinned, there must be allowance made for them. … 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. …"
And more recently, another man said:
"We cannot truly love God if we do not love our fellow travelers on this mortal journey. Likewise, we cannot fully love our fellowmen if we do not love God, the Father of us all. The Apostle John tells us, “This commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.” We are all spirit children of our Heavenly Father and, as such, are brothers and sisters. As we keep this truth in mind, loving all of God’s children will become easier.
Actually, love is the very essence of the gospel, and Jesus Christ is our Exemplar. His life was a legacy of love. The sick He healed; the downtrodden He lifted; the sinner He saved. At the end the angry mob took His life. And yet there rings from Golgotha’s hill the words: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do”—a crowning expression in mortality of compassion and love.
There are many attributes which are manifestations of love, such as kindness, patience, selflessness, understanding, and forgiveness. In all our associations, these and other such attributes will help make evident the love in our hearts.
Usually our love will be shown in our day-to-day interactions one with another. All important will be our ability to recognize someone’s need and then to respond."
When I consider the profound love which has been so generously poured out upon me, a practiced and conscious sinner, I feel the wisest words I might pride myself in, and my most astute judgments for or against others or myself, and my other sins pale in comparison and are all loved away into extinction. And until my amnesia returns, I wish to extend this same truth and love to others. Psalms 85:10 "Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other."
This is by no means a comprehensive treatment of the "straight and narrow path", but thank you for helping me express this.
