On offense and forgiveness

"[N]ever underestimate the power of privately extending a simple, loving, but direct challenge. Though it may not be reciprocated, such love is never wasted."


"Organized love is better than generalized concern."


"[R]emember the Lord's hand is in this work. He can bring about those circumstances in which such souls are 'in a preparation to hear the word.' His Spirit can prod the prodigals--some of whom will come to their senses. And as that happens, however, let us run to greet them while they are 'yet a great way off.'"


"Let us acknowledge that the strait and narrow path, though clearly marked, is a path, not a freeway nor an escalator. indeed, there are times when the only way the strait and narrow path can be followed is on one's knees!"


"[I]t is so difficult to carry our cross and grudges, too. Quickly forgotten by those who are offended is the fact that the Church is 'for the perfecting of the saints;' it is not a well-provisioned rest home for the already perfected."


"What is most to be focused on--the fact that Peter walked briefly on the water or that he did not continue? Has any other mortal so walked, even that briefly?"


"If the choice is between reforming other Church members or ourselves, is there really any question about where we should begin? The key is to have our eyes wide open to our own faults and partially closed to the faults of others--not the other way around! The imperfections of others never release us from the need to work on our own shortcomings."


"People who spend their time searching for feet of clay will miss not only the heavens wherein God moves in His majesty and power, but God's majesty as he improves and shapes a soul."


"When both circumstances and teachings became hard to bear, Jesus questioned the Twelve, 'Will ye also go away?' The question is the same today, and so is the answer: 'Lord to whom shall we go? thou has the words of eternal life.'"


"Do not let yesterday hold tomorrow hostage! Walk away from your investment in the penny stock of pride; it never pays dividends."


"Savor these words quoted by a magnanimous and forgiving Prophet Joseph Smith to a repentant and returning W.W. Phelps: Come on dear brother, since the war is past, For friends at first, are friends again at last." 
Neal A. Maxwell, April 1982