President Joseph Fielding Smith had tender concern for
people who struggled in sin. Elder Francis M. Gibbons, who served as a
secretary to the First Presidency, was often present when President Smith
considered matters of Church discipline. Elder Gibbons recalled: “His decisions
were always made in kindness and love and with the widest latitude of mercy. It
wasn’t uncommon for him to say on learning the circumstances of an aggravated
case, ‘Why don’t people behave themselves?’ This wasn’t said accusingly but
with sadness and regret.” President Spencer W. Kimball, who served with
President Smith, said, “Many times we have said any of us would be happy to
fall into his hands, for his judgment would be kind, merciful, just, and holy.”
When President Smith ordained bishops he often counseled: “Remember everyone
has weaknesses. There are at least two sides to every story. If you err in
judgment, be sure you err on the side of love and mercy.”
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