Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment

(2 Minute Read. 20Oct2021)

Christ on the Cross
1870 painting by Carl Heinrich Bloch

“Karma will get them!”

My wife and I hear and read this sentiment often — especially from people who have just complained about someone else’s behavior.

I am glad there is no such thing as “karma.” I am glad the Great Creator rules the universe with mercy. I am glad He does not give me what I deserve.

What I Deserve

I am a sinner. I break God’s law in thought, word, deed, or by omission every day. I need mercy from the Great Judge of the universe.

Have you ever “counted” your sins? It’s a good exercise to illustrate how badly we need mercy.

If I estimate a minimum of five sins a day, that puts me at around 2,000 sins every year and 150,000 sins in my lifetime. Ten sins a day would put me at around 300,000 sins for my lifetime. That is a lot of sin!

Thus I deserve divine judgment. I am in dire need of mercy. If karma were real, I would be dead.

Even the most meticulous person who is convinced his sins are few is not off the hook when it comes to deserving the Great Creator’s righteous judgment.
For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all. (James 2:10)

If I were hauled into court with over 2,000 violations in a year, would the judge be likely to excuse me without penalty? Even if they were only civil violations and not criminal? I think not.

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to Thy lovingkindness;
According to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity,
And cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions,
And my sin is ever before me.
Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned,
And done what is evil in Thy sight. (Psalm 51:1-4)

But I am so thankful that the Great Creator has been merciful to me and has absolved me of all my sin through the death of Jesus Christ.

God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
(2 Corinthians 5:19)

The Lord is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness. The Lord is good to all, and His mercies are over all His works. (Psalm 145:8-9)

Get Mercy

Everyone without exception needs God’s mercy.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)

How does one get mercy instead of judgment? Scripture gives a clear answer.
Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
(Proverbs 28:13)
If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:8-9)

I am so thankful that
Mercy triumphs over judgment. (James 2:13)

When appropriate, in dealings with other people, show mercy instead of judgment.
Judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. (James 2:13)

Questions to Ponder

1. Who might need mercy from you today instead of judgment?
2. If you were to count your sins, would it indicate that you needed mercy?

Share your thoughts on these questions in the comments below. It could encourage or help another reader.

For Christ and His Kingdom. Soli Deo Gloria. Alere Flammam Veritatis.

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©William T. Pelletier, Ph.D.
“contending earnestly for the faith”
“destroying speculations against the knowledge of God”
“for the defense of the gospel”
(Jude 1:3; 2 Cor 10:5; Phil 1:16)
Wednesday October 20, 2021 A.D.

“Ah Lord GOD! Behold, Thou hast made the heavens and the earth by Thy great power and by Thine outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for Thee.” (Jeremiah 32:17)

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