Is God's Mercy Sufficient?

 

One of our society's mottos is innocent until proven guilty. However, we practice the opposite of this idea. Americans are quick to condemn and slow to forgive. Black followers of Christ tend to be more critical of our own than others. Recent events with Sha'Carri Richardson and Bill Cosby have exposed our obsession with being judge, jury, and executioner. Although I believe in everyone being held accountable, there is something that escapes us daily, MERCY!

Often grace accompanies mercy, however the need to focus on forgiveness is often forgotten or ignored when being offered to others. We tend to forget the mercy God has shown us for our many indiscretions. The Bible doesn't distinguish levels of sin, although we practice this ritual to absolve ourselves and condemn others.

To exercise mercy, one must have compassion, empathy, and love for others. That doesn't excuse previous behaviors; however, it allows the offender(s) an opportunity for redemption. Allowing mercy for others walks in lock step with the teachings of Christ who died for the remission of our sins. By denying this we are rejecting our Lord and Savior.