"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.”
Matthew 5:7

Let’s consider what mercy is. My father used to say “The guilty man wants mercy, not justice.” True enough! In this sense, mercy is escaping justice when guilty. And since God’s Word declares that we are all guilty before God, who is holy and just, only a fool would desire justice. As those who are guilty (and we all are), who realize our guilt before God (which we only do because of God’s grace), we cry out for mercy.

What is the basis of God’s mercy extended to the guilty? Jesus. His sinless life for His people, His substitutionary death and resurrection for His people purchases mercy for all who trust in Him. Mercy is supplied while justice is still served, however. Jesus took God’s justice (that the guilty deserve), and gives the redeemed the reward of Christ’s righteousness (that He alone earned and deserves).

In God’s plan of saving grace, justice is served (on the innocent One), to give mercy to the guilty ones who Jesus came to save. Hallelujah!

Have you trusted in Christ and are you following Him? If so, you have God’s mercy. If you have not trusted in Him and are not following Him, please do! Even now!