Mercy

God’s holiness and mercy can coexist.

“The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in faithfulness and truth; who keeps faithfulness for thousands, who forgives wrongdoing, violation of His Law, and sin.”—Exodus 34:6–7 NASB

While Moses was alone with God, receiving the Law, the Israelites turned to revelry and idolatry. When he saw their sin, Moses angrily broke the tablets upon which the Ten Commandments were written (Exodus 32:19). He chastised Aaron for poor leadership and disciplined the people.

When Moses returned to the mountaintop, he saw that God “descended in the cloud and stood there with him as he called upon the name of the LORD” (v. 5). In this special moment, Moses learned that God is holy, unwilling to tolerate sin or “leave the guilty unpunished” (v. 7). Compromising with sin would be contrary to His nature.

But Moses also learned that the Lord is a God of mercy. He is compassionate and merciful, ready to forgive, and “slow to anger.”

Today, remember that you serve a holy God. His standards never change. He cannot compromise or tolerate sin. Remember, too, that He is a God of mercy.

If you have sinned, God is ready to forgive you. But He also is asking you to draw closer and enter into a deeper relationship with Him. As you come into His presence, you will experience His awesome power and be purified by His holiness. But you also will recognize His mercy and grace, and realize how much He loves you.

Come into His presence. Humble yourself before Him. Seek to know Him more intimately. And be ready to be transformed!

Reflection Question: Reflect on a time when God extended great mercy toward you.