justice vs. mercy.

it saddens me to think of all the times that i've sung of God's mercy, yet i live as if justice is His only attitude towards us. i'm tempted, i sin, i agree with the Word that i have sinned, and then i beat myself up as if justice is what must occur.

sometimes justice is what must prevail. sometimes it is mercy that reigns victorious (i speak in regards to daily living of the believer, not in an eternal sense). i've recently found myself expecting justice and having no regard for the chance of mercy.

The Spirit corrected me monday night whilst driving to the coffee house. i had lied to myself. i was convinced that it was a shameful thing to ask for mercy when you knew you were guilty. but that's just it, you can ONLY ask for mercy when you are guilty. an innocent man does not ask for mercy, he asks for truth.

so yes, i am guilty. yes, i deserve justice. but, O LORD, give me mercy.

i am reminded of two passages that have been dear to me for many years. the first is the prodigal's return. he knew his father was merciful, yet was planning on justice, to work off his guilt. but the father, full of mercy, would let the son utter not a word beyond his confession of guilt.



the second is like it:
"But the tax collector, standing far off, would not lift up even his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!'"  Luke 18:13.  this man went home with the mercy he sought.

how often i foolishly confine mercy to talk of salvation alone. mercy is as much a part of sanctification as it is salvation. for we still stumble along this way. we still fall short. but why would we expect that justice is our lot now, when Christ has already shown the greatest mercy? fool am i.

in a court of law, justice must prevail.

in the throne room i seek mercy.

for the King is enthroned to show mercy to whom He will show mercy.