Jeremiah 31:3 The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore, with loving-kindness have I drawn thee.
This method of saving us is productive of the greatest good and sets the stage for an ongoing relationship with God that is not based on fear, but rather on that Parent/child model that Christ often referenced in His sermons. Several passages of scripture dwell on God’s love in His dealing with us, and it would be well if we didn’t take His kindness for granted by responding in the positive as soon as possible.
However, the same hand that is often outstretched in mercy is the same hand that would finally deal to the impenitent sinner, the full measure of justice, if every method God has employed in reaching us has failed. This sacred truth is embosomed in several passages of scripture, so that we may cultivate the correct balance between justice and mercy.
In our day a one-sided God is often presented from the pulpits, by which God is depicted as being too loving and kind to administer justice. This imbalanced view has produced stubbornness in some, and presumption in others where persons take His kindness and mercy as a given that they are entitled to. And because persons know that God is love, some often push the envelope to see how far they can stretch His mercies. But this is never a good thing to do.
Ecclesiastes 8:11 Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. 13 But it shall not be well with the wicked, neither shall he prolong his days, which are as a shadow; because he feareth not before God.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!