Justice and Mercy

When one receives justice he receives what he deserves. When one receives mercy he receives what he does not deserve but is granted anyway. Thankfully God deals with us mercifully and withholds the penalty we deserve. This is because of His grace toward us. But do not forget that the penalty was paid by ANOTHER. That is why we receive mercy.

In this life there are many instances of injustice. What is mistakenly called mercy becomes indulgence for the wrongdoer to do evil and get away with it. Nobody pays the penalty for wrong committed. It is just brushed aside as if it never occurred. If there has been an offence and there is no penalty for the offence, then injustice has been done, not mercy. So often this is what happens as criminals get away with their evil deeds.

Regardless of the injustices in this life, there is coming a day when all matters will be righted and evildoers will pay unless they have sought forgiveness God's way. Criminals can be forgiven. But punishment for crime ought not be brushed aside. That is not mercy. That is wrong.