Justice vs Mercy

Given the current rhetoric regarding aliens in our land, I think it would be wise for believers in Christ to consider that we have a God who is both just and merciful.

Does God command that we care for the vulnerable…the aliens in our land?  Yes, He does.  God is merciful and wants us to be also.

Does God also condemn those who murder, rape, and lead children astray?  Yes, He does.  God is just. 

It is also clear that we as individuals are not to take justice into our own hands.  Scripture makes it clear that God allows people to come into authority positions to act on our behalf to protect us.   Can that kind of power be corrupted?  Of course.  However, we are commanded to defer to authorities.  The scripture that instructs this was written during a time of cruel oppression by the Roman government…oppression such as we in America do not know, have not experienced.

Do we as outside observers to the actions of law enforcement authorities always have a clear picture of whether their actions are against the vulnerable or against those who are evil?  No…we don’t!

Only God can perfectly balance justice and mercy.  We humans are far too prone to insert our own agenda into situations.  I certainly wish that everyone would stop posting their viewpoints on social media.  It only incites anger and doesn’t change anyone’s mind.  The recent events seem to be interpreted in the light of individuals’ political leanings, more than their spiritual convictions.  People accept the slant of whatever TV station they watch, because they are not actual observers of the events.

Unless you have firsthand knowledge, you have no right to comment.  Even then, unless you have learned how to perfectly balance justice and mercy be very careful which viewpoint you espouse.  Both God’s justice and His mercy are motivated by love.  I’m afraid most of the angry voices on each side, don’t have a clue what that means.