How can we understand mercy? How can we understand salvation? How can we come to see the power of God?

To understand all of these things, we need a contrast.

If the world was perfect - absolutely perfect, without fault or blemish, then we would not know anything else - because we would know only perfection, and perfection has no blemish. We would not understand what it is like to live in an imperfect and corrupt world. Indeed, we wouldn't understand the term or concept of corruption in any way, because it simply would not exist. I think when we come to the 'new heaven and new earth' (Revelation 21:1), that is what it will be like - perfect.

But since our world is not perfect, in fact far from it, we understand differences between good and bad. We can see both mercy and wrath. We can see and know both good and evil. And we yearn for something better, something perfect. This is because God is merciful and loving.

What you say? Merciful and loving? How are all the bad things in the world related to mercy and love?

There are two parts of mercy here. The first is that God is enduring patiently with those who are sinners. Firstly that they may come to know Him, that they are given the time and place to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. The second part is that by showing wrath, we come to understand mercy. By allowing us to see the outcome of those who do not love God, those of us who are saved can better come to know the righteousness and mercy of God.

If we never knew darkness, we could never fully appreciate the light - because the light would just 'be'. But by knowing darkness, when we see the light we can appreciate it all the more.

Just so we don't misunderstand - Gods mercy is not the only reason we see Gods wrath, it is just one benefit. God could have chosen to hide His wrath, rather than allow it to be seen by all. God cannot tolerate sin. His wrath and eternal punishment was always going to take place, but by allowing us to see it now, we can better understand Gods power and mercy.

God has patiently endured with this world - so that we could see His power, and understand His mercy, and that as many as possible would be saved.

Prayer

Thank you God that you have shown us your mercy. Thank you that you have called us, that you have saved us, and that we are no longer vessels of wrath, but have been made right with you through your son Jesus. Help us to see and know your mercy in our lives always. In Jesus Name. Amen.

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