Partners
In Hope

Justice And Mercy And Recovery

Monday September 12, 2022

Depending on a given situation we often find ourselves caught in the tension between our desire for justice or mercy.  For those who wrong, us we swing towards the desire for justice.  When we see our own failures, we long for mercy. 

He [God] loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth.  (Psalm 33:5 NLT) 

Justice and mercy are both aspects of God’s character. For justice to be justice the guilty must be punished. We are all sinners. We have all broken God’s laws. We all stand guilty. God cannot ignore our wrongdoing. We have harmed ourselves, others, and also our relationship with God. We have trampled carelessly over precious things that matter to God.  Our sin must be punished with its appropriate penalty – death. On the cross, Jesus mercifully took that death on Himself and offers us freedom and life with Him forevermore.

When people sin, they earn what sin pays—death. But God gives his people a free gift—eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.  (Romans 6:23 ERV)

Without a clear picture of our own sinfulness and its awful consequences we will never find it in our hearts to be merciful to others.  It is only with deep gratitude for God’s forgiveness that we can hold our heads up and love others as we have been loved by God. 

As those who live in recovery with God, we now look at our own life, taking inventory to check if we are doing what is right, if we are showing mercy, and if we are truly walking humbly with God. When we fail in any area, we promptly admit it, repent, and receive God’s mercy and forgiveness.

The Lord has shown you what is good.  He has told you what he requires of you. You must act with justice.  You must love to show mercy and you must be humble as you live in the sight of your God.  (Micah 6:8 NIRV)

Prayer:  Loving God, No one knows about justice and mercy like You do.  Thank You for blotting out my sin by giving Your only Son Jesus to pay in full all that I owe. The love and mercy You have for me is amazing.  Please help me to show the same love and mercy I have received to other broken human beings.  Amen

©2022 Partners in Hope 

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