Almost every person will accept justice when found in error. Deep down in our hearts, we acknowledge that justice has its place when it needs to be meted out. Every person does long for mercy when under the jurisdiction of a judge. As innocent bystanders, we are quick to voice our opinion whether the verdict was long on mercy and short on justice. Yet when it comes to ourselves or our close friends, we often find ourselves on the other side of the line.

Recently observing Father’s Day, much was heard and read how the father’s role in the family is or should be the one in charge. Definitely the responsibility of the father is of immense importance. Fathers need to wisely deal out justice while practicing mercy at all times. As children reminisce of their growing up years, their testimony was one of appreciation that father did mete out justice when punishment was eminent and carried out.

In life, many persons are relieved when their secret sin was found out and justice with mercy was put in effect. At a time like that, a person’s feeling of freedom is a sure peace of heart and enjoyable.

All people embracing Christianity along with those with knowledge of the Bible, are well aware of the justice and mercy carried out by God when He destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah because of not finding ten faithful people in those cities. In all of that His mercy was compassionate in saving Lot by him leaving the city.

There is a line unseen by man, that crosses every path, it is the boundary line between God’s mercy and God’s wrath.

When our relationship with our fellow person is loaded with mercy and has the forgiving attitude, generous with praise and gently with our demeanor, how rewarding it is. How pleasant it is when doing business with people, regardless what it is, if all people involved are charitable, lenient and kind. Mercy comes into play when persons having the upperhand in any area of life, does practice complete forgiveness and mercy.

If we are wronged by someone and retaliate by being unjust or unmerciful when the opportunity to get even appears, we feel miserable ourselves and it can be devastating for those we treat viciously. For many, the struggle for survival in this harsh old world, the temptation to be on top of the pile, irregardless of who they step on is too prevalent around us at all times.

Seemingly in these times (dog eat dog, buyer beware, lawyer drag ‘em into court), people are frustrated, scared, wondering what next, coping with relationships, wondering where is justice and mercy? When thinking of justice and mercy, our minds go to the court, the jury or the judge. That is where justice and mercy are in the forefront. I say, in everyday life we have opportunity to carry out mercy many times in our relationship with our fellow person.

Psalms 145:8

The Lord is gracious and full of compassion. Slow to anger and great in mercy.