The Gift of Mercy

By Paula Williamson, guest writer

Scripture recounts King David’s sin in 2 Samuel 11. He shirked his responsibility as king, committed adultery with one of the devoted members of his army, invited Uriah home from the battle lines to cover his sin, and when that didn’t work, he plotted to have him murdered. This is a horrible atrocity, yet God called David “A man after His own heart.” How? Most of us would have a problem with that! The difference between him and the worst of us was his heart toward God. This account gives me an inkling of God’s mercy. Did David deserve forgiveness? No! The truth is that none of us deserves forgiveness.

It Is Written

LUKE 15:7 There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance.

Life Is Not Fair

This week, the words of an eight-year-old boy to his counselor echo in my heart in an unforgettable way. He said, “If life were fair, we should all be hanging on a cross.” He is wise beyond his years. God is so rich in mercy and forgiveness toward us that He does not give any of us what we deserve. That’s mercy. He waits for us to admit our sin and surrender our hearts to Him. No one has gone too far. Forgiveness is a prayer away.

Prayer

Lord, I call out with the words of Isaiah 1:18, "Though my sins are like scarlet, wash them as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, make them like wool." Psalm 51:10, "Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me." 1 John 1:8, "If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us." The truth is that we have all sinned and need forgiveness. God, forgive me and bathe me in Your forgiveness. 

Takeaway

Mercy is undeserved.