Walking in the Freedom of the Law

One of the few characteristics traits that all humans have is a sense of justice. Each man, woman, and child intrinsically knows when wrong has occurred. People who have been abused often have a skewed sense of justice, and ideas surrounding the true meaning of justice have changed over time and from culture to culture. Nonetheless, everyone has a system of right and wrong.

Justice is strongly ingrained in humanity, and all it takes is clever arguments and discussion to convince other to judge fairly. Mercy, however, is something that people struggle with. When wrongs have been committed, we feel that they must be corrected. Yet James 2:12-13 tells us, "Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment." Mercy is something that is very important to God, and it is mercy that defines our faith.

Henry Law explains, "Could He have written more clearly, more largely, more lovingly to testify His delight in mercy? In His Gospel-ordinances forgiveness is the foundation-stone... His forgiving goodness and pardoning grace exceed all thought. Glad experience confirms, ['Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.' (Ps. 32:1)]."

We are able to stand before God as redeemed for no other reason than God's love and mercy. If mercy is important to God, then we had better be a people who act like it.

Living Life

God's Mercy on Hypocrites

God has sent a beautiful message to the people of this world about unfailing love and mercy. Those who understand this come to call Christ their Savior.  But if this is such a wonderful message, then what is preventing so many people from coming to Christ?

Sadly, the answer is us. Christianity is not only seen as a "boring" religion, but the hypocrisy of Christians is what stands in the way of many coming to faith in Christ. Too many people have been burned by the Church because the Church lacks love. Christ is love, and we are commanded to reflect that love to others; but we fail. We are wonderful examples of saying one thing about Christ and living another way. This way of living is an effective way of lying to the world around us.

We must realize our own humanity; lying and hypocrisy are dangers that anyone can fall into Psalm 119:29 does not assume any natural defense or spiritual immunity against falsehood. The psalmist humbly comes before God and petitions Him to be gracious and merciful.

Arthur Pink writes, "How we should be humbled by such a prayer as this [Psalm 119:29], for it is evidently an appropriate one for all the Lord's God, who is often made painfully conscious of how much insincerity and hypocrisy is mixed up with his worship, supplications, repentance, and thanksgiving!"

We might be hypocritical in our nature and know we need to change. But we cannot change if we are not shown the way. It is God's Word that lights the way to the transformation of our minds and actions.

Living Life