Bible Study

Bible Study February 6, 2025

“God’s Mercy – Man’s Justice”

God’s Mercy

Lamentations 3:22–23 “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” (ESV)

God’s Justice

Psalm 82:3

“Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute.” (ESV)

Isaiah 1:17

“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, and please the widow’s cause,”  (ESV)

In God’s eyes what do we deserve? If it had not been for Jesus’ death and resurrection we would have His justice on us not His mercy. People have a difficult time understanding the concept of inherited sin in their lives. We are all descendants of Adam and we have what is called the Adamic nature in us (we all have it).

Adam and Eve sinned and they gave to us the results of their sin. God in His mercy allows us to accept freely His grace and relationship with Him through Jesus. I believe we make it more complicated than it is.

Man on the other hand wants justice every time he is harmed or believes he has been wronged. As an example we drive down the highway and have someone cut us off so the first thing we do is try to get back at them. “We’re going to show them who’s right here.” That is justice getting back at someone for something they did to you. A simple question “Is it really worth it?”

The scriptures tell something truly remarkable about justice. Paul writing to the Romans in 12:17-19 says, “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

Notice these words “So far as it depends on you.” We have the choice to show mercy and grace to one that harmed us or give the justice. It depends on us to choose. Live in peace.

God Bless

If you’re looking for some good books on grace let me suggests a couple by Phillip Yancey. “What So Amazing About Grace” and “Vanishing Grace.” You can find them on Thrift Books at a very reasonable price.