The Mercy of God – Part 7
Dr RJ Sing · 1 min read
“All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. 4But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions it is by grace you have been saved.”
Many people are reluctant to show mercy because they don’t understand the difference between trust and forgiveness. Forgiveness is letting go of the past and trust has to do with future behavior. Forgiveness must be immediate, whether or not a person asks for it. Trust must be rebuilt over time and it also requires a track record.
If someone hurts you repeatedly, you are commanded by God to forgive him instantly, but you are not expected to trust him immediately, and you are not expected to continue allowing him to hurt you. He must prove he has changed over time.
The best place to restore trust is within the supportive context of a small group that offers both encouragement and accountability. So, remember that mercy is, God being merciful meaning that, when you deserve punishment, He does not punish you and in fact blesses you instead. Mercy is the withholding of a just condemnation. Throughout the Bible, God has given many illustrations of His mercy and God fully demonstrates His mercy in Jesus Christ.
From the March 2017 issue, themed Supernatural Outpourings from Heaven over My Life.
