Juggling the Tension-Judgment and Mercy

Biblically, we see both judgment of sin and mercy and grace in the character of God. So how do believers reflect Christ as we live in relation to our neighbors? How do believers encourage biblical truth, holiness, and justice, but also sustain a heart of mercy? What do we do when mercy and judgment seem to conflict?

Continually juggling this tension led me to an in-depth study of the Word, genuinely desiring to know and reflect more of Him. Although there is no way I can cover the complexities of this topic, I want to share some themes the Spirit taught me!

Be prepared! God's standard is challenging. It can only be lived out by the power of the Spirit. The good news is that WHEN we fall short, we can always run to the open arms of Jesus for forgiveness. There is abundant grace and mercy available to us in Him when we fail.

There is no doubt that the Bible teaches that all people are sinners who fall short of the glory of God, destined for eternal judgment apart from salvation in Christ (Romans 3:23-24) (Colossians 3:5-6) OUCH!

The comforting news about the judgment of God is that all that is wrong in the world will one day be made right. Evil will not win. And God sees everything clearly, so His justice is fair. (Deuteronomy 32:4) (Romans 2:16)

The Lord's perfect holiness and justice means He cannot overlook sin. It must be judged. However, God is also full of grace and mercy. (Psalm 145:8-9) (2 Peter 3:9) To demonstrate His justice, mercy, and love of sinful people, He sent His Son Jesus to take the judgment sinners deserve. Christ absorbed the wrath of God for every single sin ever committed! What love! At the cross, God was both just in punishing sin and merciful by extending grace in full to all who receive Christ by faith. (Romans 3:26)

To those who are resting in the free gift of God, Christ's work alone for our salvation, how do we communicate the gospel message and the heart of Christ to a world that doesn't understand? Obviously, we hold fast to the truths of Scripture in love, (Philippians 2:14-16) (praying for discernment to interpret scripture accurately and not impose extra-biblical views on others!) (Matthew 12:10-12) (Matthew 23:4) and we share the good news! (Matthew 28:19-20) We pursue justice. (Isaiah 1:17) The Spirit helps us grow and bear fruit. (Galatians 5:22-23)

So how do we treat unbelievers and our brothers and sisters in Christ? What is our heart attitude toward them? Are we judgmental and condescending? For what reason? As believers, we are not superior to anyone. We are simply people who have been given the incredible gift of mercy. God expects us to do the same for our neighbors.

The Bible has a lot to say about mercy. Over 290 verses in the Old Testament and 70 in the New Testament directly reference the mercy of God toward His people. Here is a small sampling of this merciful theme throughout scripture:

"....a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity" Jonah 4:2

"The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made." Psalm 145:8-9

"Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." Matthew 5:7

"But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you." Luke 6:27-28

"But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." Luke 6:35-36

Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." Luke 23:34

"Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment." James 2:12-13

"...He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9

Where mercy and judgment seem to conflict, mercy wins! Praise God that in Christ, God's mercy toward us will triumph over His judgment of us. If we as believers find these verses convicting (and we will!) we can continue to run to Jesus for forgiveness, mercy, and grace. Let's display this type of mercy to others!