To understand mercy, we must first look at what it’s not.
If we step into the courtroom, and we are exonerated, that’s Fair Play. We’ve gotten what we deserved. No mercy involved.
If the evidence condemns us, and we receive our punishment, that’s Due Process. We earned our reward by whatever we did. No mercy involved.
If we’ve messed up badly, and we deserve the judge to throw the book at us, to lock us up for the rest of our life, and she says, “I know you’re guilty, and the evidence backs that up, but I’m wiping the record and setting you free,” that’s mercy.
We’ve done the wrong thing. The judge knows. And we’re given a free pass. We might think, “Wow, that’s a big thing.”
No, it’s mercy, the decision to be lenient when all the rules say otherwise.
Here are 3 times the Bible reveals God’s unending mercy.
Hosea 2:23 in the poignant King James Version tells us God forgives and welcomes everyone, even those who have no reason to expect his good favor.
“… I will say to them which were not my people, Thou art my people; and they shall say, Thou art my God.”
Isaiah 60:10 says God chooses mercy over anger. Even when we fail, he will not fail us.
“… In my favor I have had mercy on you.”
Psalm 103:17 assures us that our reverence for God will stir up his mercy for those who come after us.
“But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him, and his righteousness to [their] children’s children.”
God chooses us. That’s what his mercy is about. He knows we are flawed. It’s how he created humanity. God steps in, rains mercy on us, and we become better in him.
God is our provider even when we stumble. He is our source of strength, and we can trust in him.
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