Think of the worst things you’ve done in your life. No really, take a minute to remember those times you did evil and wicked acts, or behaved hurtfully and foolishly. Now imagine if the consequences of what you did had been just a little bit different. What might have happened if a just few more people had found out what you’d done? For me there are many times where if circumstances had been just a little less favorable, my life would be completely different. I could have been seriously injured, injured someone else, or worse. I could have ruined my career. I could have destroyed a relationship with family or friends. I could have faced serious financial hardship. I could have ended up in intensive care or in jail. I know that I have escaped much pain and misery that I rightly deserved. And if I consider the times where I was falsely accused of something, but the truth managed to prevail, I see that I have also escaped much unjust suffering.
Some might say I’m just lucky or privileged. But I choose to believe in the never-ending blessings and mercies of a loving and kind God who sovereignly controls all things. Yes, we reap what we sow; at least to some degree. But over and over again God does not treat us as our sins deserve. (Psalm 103) God the Father is compassionate toward His children.
Appropriately, we consider God’s mercy both a past event (Christ died for my sins), and a future event (my heavenly home is waiting for me). But we must not forget that God’s mercy is also an all-day-every-day present event. His kindness never ceases. His grace is new each morning. (Lamentations 3)
Taking an honest evaluation of my sin is difficult and painful, but confession and repentance continue to bring great rewards including helping me to see more clearly how much God loves me unconditionally. I become more appreciative of specific instances of God’s grace and mercy. It keeps me humble and reminds me that I am not in any position to condemn anyone else. It used to be common wisdom to see others in difficult circumstances and think, “There but for the grace of God go I.” That’s not a sentiment you hear much these days. If we did, we might be more compassionate toward others, and more thankful to God of all mercies.