Psalm 103:8 NKJV
The LORD is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
Many people misunderstand the L,ord. They think that He's cruel or uncaring, a far off cosmic policeman that has to be placated.
But, If you want to see what God is like, the Bible pulls back the curtain on His character.
This verse begins to describe God's Essence, which is the root cause of David's praise.
The Lord is so full of mercy that it's mentioned twice in this verse.
So what is mercy, what does it mean to be merciful?
The dictionary defines mercy as:
"compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm."
Of course, it is within God's Infinite Power to punish each and every one of us, but, in His mercy, He holds back, providing multiple opportunities for us to change our ways and return to Him
Time and time again, in my own life, I've received mercy from the Lord. It was always within His power to punish me, but He graciously stays His hand waiting for a change of heart.
The ultimate display of mercy was from the mouth of Jesus on the Cross:
Luke 23:34 NKJV
Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do."
Yes, our sin has blinded us to our rebellion against our Creator. He understands that deception and has provided mercy and grace aplenty.
He is slow to become angry.
Some people "fly off the handle", their anger erupting suddenly like a bomb going off. We all are familiar with folk like that, aren't we!
God's anger, however, is a "slow burner", but we shouldn't take it as a sign of weakness.
If we don't respond to His mercy, there will come a day when we fall into His Hands for punishment.
Hebrews 10:31 NKJV
It is a fearful thing to fall into the Hands of the Living God.
For now we are in the age of abounding mercy and grace from the Lord.
It's time to appreciate our Father God with His merciful and gracious Heart and worship Him for who He is.
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