Alma 41:12-15

"And now behold, is the meaning of the word restoration to take a thing of a natural state and place it in an unnatural state, or to place it in a state opposite to its nature?
O, my son, this is not the case; but the meaning of the word restoration is to bring back again evil for evil, or carnal for carnal, or devilish for devilish—good for that which is good; righteous for that which is righteous; just for that which is just; merciful for that which is merciful.
Therefore, my son, see that you are merciful unto your brethren; deal justly, judge righteously, and do good continually; and if ye do all these things then shall ye receive your reward; yea, ye shall have mercy restored unto you again; ye shall have justice restored unto you again; ye shall have a righteous judgment restored unto you again; and ye shall have good rewarded unto you again.
For that which ye do send out shall return unto you again, and be restored; therefore, the word restoration more fully condemneth the sinner, and justifieth him not at all."
Alma 41:12-15


I think sometimes we get caught up in the world's visions of God, which are many, but a couple of the main ones are either slightly-less-evil power hungry all-powerful puppetmaster, or mostly-clueless Santa Claus.  On one hand he doesn't care and manipulates us, or on the other hand he gives us toys, and even though he keeps a naughty list, he doesn't really enforce it all that often.  I think the scriptures help us to realize that God isn't either of those things.  Specifically, these verses explain that our rewards in heaven aren't going to be arbitrary, but very tailored to us as individuals.  Whatever we do to other people, that is what we will get in return.  Pretty hard to argue that we don't deserve that kind of justice.  ... or mercy. :)  Today, let's read and learn more about the nature of God, and get to know him a little better.  And let's also be kind, and good, and patient with others.  And whatever else we'd like to see in return.