Psalms 103:8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. 10 He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
This passage of scripture clearly demonstrates the loving-kindness manifested towards us by our heavenly Father, one of the highlights being that He does not treat us the way we deserve. It's one thing for God to be good, but it's another for Him to treat us like royalty, by sending His Son to pay the penalty for our sins, both ignorant and presumptuous. It's worthy of note that God did not consult with us before taking the necessary steps to save us from ourselves, but instead took the initiative even before we sinned. This decision to let Jesus suffer and die in our place is one of the great mysteries of God's redeeming love that can never be fully explained, and will resonate with the saved throughout all eternity.
A striking example of the manifestation of God's love occurred when Jesus was just about to be arrested, as He and the disciples were exiting the garden of Gethsemane. Judas who had purposed to betray Him into the hands of the angry mob had given them a sign, that whosoever he should kiss, would be the one who should be held. And so said so done, for as they approached where Christ was, Judas stepped forward and greeted Jesus with a big unholy kiss, after which the mob immediately seized Him.
But two things took place, which when observed and understood in the context of God's character, sheds much light on the way we as Christians should deal with everyone we come in contact with. Christ greeted His betrayer with the word "Friend", a description that is not befitting of such a brazen back-stabber, and the other occurrence was that He performed His very last work of healing on His enemy, not on His friends. When the madding crowd drew near, Peter, who was moved with indignation reached for his sword and cut off the High priest's servant ear, which is the natural reaction of the human heart when faced with such dire circumstances. But Jesus, who does not treat us as we deserve chose an entirely different route, by overcoming evil with good, a principle that is foreign to the human psyche. Let's read:
Matthew 26:48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. 49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him. 50 And Jesus said unto him, Friend, wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on Jesus and took him.
Luke 22:49 When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? 50 And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. 51 And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him.
These two occurrences reveal in unmistakeable terms, the love that is displayed by God in our behalf, and it would be well if as His children, we too may adopt the same methods in dealing with those who are not deserving of any mercies. Often when we are offended in any manner by someone, we take steps and actions that cement the evil that was done, and by our attitude we often foster the spirit of alienation and strife. Yet we bow before God and ask to be forgiven, while at the same time harboring animosity and hatred towards those who may have done us wrong. These attitudes do not accomplish any good, either in others our in ourselves, and that's why we are instructed to dwell upon the unmerited kindness and mercy of God toward us, instead of perpetuating the spirit of hatred and anger towards others.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which calls upon us to walk in the footsteps of Christ, who set the example for us by extending His love towards us whilst we were yet alienated from Him. Let's read:
Romans 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink" ... 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!