All of us need God's mercy, but so many do not understand. Without God's mercy, our sins are not forgiven. Without mercy, there is no assurance of heaven. God's mercy forgives us and changes our lives to the praise of his glory! The good news is this, God's mercy is for everyone. "For God has imprisoned all people in their own disobedience so he could have mercy on everyone" (Romans 11:32, NLT).
The bad news is that so many people do not receive God's mercy. It is available for everyone, but it is forced upon no one. Some people stubbornly refuse mercy, because they foolishly think that they can earn their way with God. Others choose arrogant pride, thinking that they can live without God. Unfortunately, there are some who refuse mercy, because they will not forgive themselves.
The mercy of God is found at the cross of Jesus. The author of a hymn wrote, "Mercy there was great and grace was free." That's in Christ crucified. He paid our sin debt before God, not in part, but the whole. He suffered in our place, for our sins. He took our judgment. That's mercy.
Mercy is only a prayer away. A man, convinced of his sin, prayed, "God, be merciful to me a sinner" (Luke 18:13). Jesus taught that this sinner was justified before God. Only mercy can justify sinners. God has enough mercy for everyone. Receive it.
