“Those who show mercy to the cruel end up being cruel to those who deserve mercy.”
– Midrashic teaching
Ancient Rabbies associated the names Elohim and Adonai with two distinct characteristics: justice (Elohim) and mercy (Adonai). They believed both were necessary in order for the world to function. The world would be destroyed if it were ruled only by justice (similar to the time of Noah). Elohim was used to describe God in those scriptures (Genesis 6:11:22).
However, if mercy ruled the entire world, justice would not exist. A world with no justice would not last very long. Too much mercy means an increase in injustice. For example, if mercy was given to every criminal, their victims would suffer a horrible injustice. Also, if every person knew they would only receive mercy for their wrongdoings (even murder), crime would explode in societies all over the world.
“To spare the ravening leopard is an act of injustice to the sheep.”
– Ancient proverb
It’s common to hear people refer to God and mercy only, but He is also the judge. And unlike a human judge, He sees all and is perfect. There is nothing hidden from Him. God loves people but He hates wickedness. To embrace sin is blasphemous and goes against the teachings of the Bible.
When I became born again over a decade ago, sin was rampant and people didn’t even recognize it as sin. Today, society encourages sin and seeks to introduce children to sinful ways. Every day I wish to wake up from this nightmare that is taking over the world, but this was all foretold by God in the Bible. Our hope is in Jesus and I have no doubt that His return will be soon.
Having that knowledge, this is not the time in history to be idle. Do the things God commands. Share the gospel with others. Tell people your personal testimony and let them know the things God has done for your life. Be obedient to the Word and let your light shine unto others.
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
– Hebrews 12:1-2
