Mercy

Currently, I am reading a book that if nothing more, displays the extent of God's mercy. At one point in the book, a character basically stated that they could not punish someone for a sin when God had shown them great mercy. When I read this, I was amazed at how one person can show mercy towards another, but then as I continued to read, it became more clear. God can show us mercy, and we receive the punishment that we deserve according to Him. We face the consequences, but also are blessed with repentance and redemption. When we say the same thing that we cannot punish someone for a sin when we have received mercy from God, we are playing God. It is one thing to show mercy to someone who is truly repenting and remorseful for their sin, but when we allow the sin to go unpunished and things are basically ignored, we allow more trouble to come in. In the case of this story (which happens to be about King David and his son), a more severe consequence comes upon them. Hostility develops between David's sons and turmoil becomes a common theme in their home. Summary of all of this...I am reminded that although I have received mercy from God, I am not God. I cannot know the true state of another person's heart, and I cannot be the judge of that. I can know that God does know my heart and will judge me accordingly, showing my grace and mercy for repentance that I bring.