Recently I’ve been reminded (in separate readings) of God’s mercy and God’s wrath. I personally can’t believe in one without believing in the other…God is “I AM”. I believe God does love me but I also believe he doesn’t love my sin. He forgives my sin (“Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses. Acts 13:38-39) but judges the sin (Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge. Psalm 51:4).
Honestly I would much rather believe in a God who won’t judge the sinner and simply open His merciful arms to everyone….but scripture doesn’t tell me that. I have to make a choice to accept His mercy and forgiveness and love AND I also have to make a choice to acknowledge the wrath which comes from not accepting Him.
My daily prayer is God’s will be done and that I will hear, see and discern His will. I certainly do not achieve this every day but being reminded of God’s mercy gives me comfort and a reminder of His wrath tells me to always seek and accept His forgiveness.
Hosea 14:9
Who is wise? Let them realize these things.
Who is discerning? Let them understand.
The ways of the Lord are right;
the righteous walk in them,
but the rebellious stumble in them.