There are many verses in scripture that describe the characteristics of God. We hear a lot about justice, mercy and grace. My sister shared this story with me that gives a word picture of each.
Johnny's mom had told him not to eat the cookies, but he just couldn't resist, and when she walked into the kitchen, he got caught with his hand in the cookie jar and crumbs on his shirt. His wise mother not only saw the guilty, fearful look on his face, she also saw the window of opportunity for a teachable moment. "Johnny," she said, "you disobeyed me, and you deserve to be punished. That's justice--getting what you deserve." She paused as his eyes grew larger. "But even though you deserve it, I'm not going to punish you. That's mercy--not getting the punishment you deserve." Again she hesitated to let the words sink in. "Not only am I not going to give you the punishment you do deserve, I'm going to take you out for ice cream which you do not deserve. That's grace!"
The punishment for our sin is death (Romans 6:23), and this is justice. But in His great mercy, Jesus saved us by His death on the cross. And then He bestowed on us the precious gift of eternal life and an abundant earthly life filled with the work and fruit of His Holy Spirit. This, my friend, is grace!
Becky
Back to our home page!