By David ReayMonday 14 Feb 2022LifeWords DevotionalsDevotionsReading Time: 2 minutes
If we claim we have no sin, we are only fooling ourselves and not living in the truth. But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. If we claim we have not sinned, we are calling God a liar and showing that his word has no place in our hearts. (NLT)
We can make a couple of errors when it comes to consideration of the mercy of God. Some reckon they don’t need it. They consider themselves better than some others they can name. They think their faults and failings are just minor shortcomings. They refuse to embrace the idea that “sin” is not just wrong actions, but a mindset that proclaims independence from God. Mercy is for miserable wretches whose inhuman behaviour hits the headlines.
Then again, others reckon they can never receive mercy because they don’t deserve it. They are overwhelmed by their faults and failures. No amount of mercy can wipe away the blot and stain of guilt. Mercy is reserved for those who just make the odd mistake, for those who do not harbour all sorts of shadowy secrets.
One person needs to come face to face with their estrangement from God and recognise the need for mercy given this God is holy and perfect. The other person needs to come face to face with the gracious offer of forgiveness personified in Jesus. One person needs to realise how lost they are. The other person needs to realise that they can be found.
None of us is so good that we do not need God’s mercy. None of us is so bad that we are beyond God’s mercy.
Blessings,
David