A Just and Merciful God. Part [4] 03/22/2025 (Morning thought)

Deuteronomy 7: 9 Know therefore that the Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keeps covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations; 10 And repays them that hate him to their face, to destroy them: he will not be slack to him that hates him, he will repay him to his face.

Again, in His administration of mercy and justice, He may direct the oppressed to mete out justice to the oppressor. The Christian is not to take it upon him or herself to initiate this, for the general instruction to us is to deal primarily in mercy, and let God handle matters where wrongs and injustices have occurred. Christians especially should avoid taking each other to court, to wash their dirty laundry in the eyes of the public where Christ’s name and His kingdom will be dragged in the street.

In such instances where it seems as if the Christian must seek resolve or even restitution by the courts, the Biblical instruction is to take a loss, and let God or the church make a determination in the matter. 1st Corinthians 6:1 Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? 2 Do you not know that the saints shall judge the  world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters?

1st Corinthians 6:3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? 5 I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren? 6 But brother goes to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers.

1st Corinthians 6:7 Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because you go to law one with another. Why do you not rather take wrong? why do you not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?

May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!

A Just and Merciful God. Part [3] 03/22/2025 (Evening thought)

Exodus 33: 18 And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. 19 And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy.

In some instances in the Bible, persons may be at a loss to account for God’s actions towards nations or individuals in certain circumstances, on reasonable grounds. David was spared and forgiven in the case with Bathsheba but the unborn child was struck and later died. Again, when David numbered the people, it was the 70,000 who perished by the plague, but David and his family were forgiven and spared.

In both cases, the prerequisites for forgiveness were manifested in David, but the Scriptures might not explain this fact in every given situation. Therefore, there will be instances where God shows mercy or justice towards an individual or persons, in which no explanation might be given for His actions. In such cases, an understanding of His prerogatives to show mercy or justice will make plain what might seem to be discrepancies.

He instructs us as Christians to deal primarily in the currency of mercy, being willing to forgive just as He does, not harboring grudges and bad feelings when others do us wrong. Yet, there are times when the tables have to be turned at His discretion, for there are instances, where wrongs may have crossed a red line.

Romans 12: 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!