Psalm 101:1
“I will sing of mercy and justice; to You, O Lord, I will sing praises.”
Oh, the mercy of God! Where would we be without it? Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God”. What is the consequence of our sin? According to Romans 6:23, the wages of sin is death. Yet, God’s love for us caused Him to send His only begotten Son to take our sins upon Himself and die on our behalf.
Throughout the Bible, we see the mercy of God – whether in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), the woman caught in adultery (John 8:2-11), or how God forgave David of adultery and murder (Psalm 51). God delights to show mercy (Micah 7:18). His mercies are new every morning for those who live a repentant life (Lamentations 3:22-23).
Does this mean God overlooks sin? Never! Deuteronomy 32:4 tells us that all God’s ways are just. The holiness of God is reflected in His perfect justice. Isaiah 61:8 says, “For I the Lord love justice”. Jesus paid the price for us so that justice for our sins would be fulfilled at the cross. Psalm 89:14 declares, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne.”
Mercy is undeserved, while justice is deserved. For man, mercy and justice may seem to be in conflict, but not with God. He balances mercy and justice perfectly.
Why does our loving Heavenly Father extend both mercy and justice to His children? Because He longs for an unhindered relationship with us. And He calls us to reflect His heart by extending that same mercy to others.
