Isaiah 30 :18“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!”
The dictionary describes the word mercy as compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm. Justice means just behaviour or treatment.
Justice is associated with law and mercy is showing kindness and leniency to someone despite the law. The above verse establishes our Lord Jesus Christ as the highest judge in the judicial system of God’s law. He is authoritative and powerful. All humanity is under His rule and are accountable for their conduct whether they acknowledge Him or not. It is imperative to know that even though God is sovereign over His creation, He is compassionate and forbearing. He does not judge based on our character but more on His. Since He is gracious and forgiving, He does not give up on His children easily. He works with us and not against us.
The Holy Bible tells us that our Lord is slow to anger and abounding in love. His steadfast love brings us mercy and forgiveness for our iniquities. God’s mercy is mirrored in Christ Jesus, who even forgave the ones who crucified Him.
Does this mean that we are allowed to live a life displeasing to God and yet receive His forgiveness? Absolutely not. Jesus Christ is the judge and will issue the final judgement. However, His mercy is for all who repent for their sins and desire to change.
