We humans have a big obsession with fairness. From the time we’re kids squabbling over who got the bigger half of a cookie, we keep mental scorecards. We want justice, we want balance, and if we feel wronged, we want things set straight right away. Have you ever stopped to consider what would happen if God decided to treat us with absolute fairness?

If God gave us strictly what was “fair” based on our lives, none of us would stand a chance. Every careless word, every selfish thought, and every time we chose our own way over His would be counted against us.

David understood that what we really need isn’t a fair scorecard, but a merciful Father:

“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities.”

Psalm 103:8-10

Notice that phrase: He does not treat us as our sins deserve. That is the very definition of mercy.

Justice is getting the punishment we rightfully earned. Mercy is God stepping in, withholding that judgment, and offering us forgiveness instead, and grace is Him pouring out blessings we could never deserve.

Our relationship with the Lord isn’t a cold business contract where we trade good deeds for points. It is built entirely upon His mercy. When we wake up each morning, we don’t have to walk on eggshells wondering if God is waiting to catch us making a mistake. He greets us with open arms and compassion that never runs out.

How does resting in the truth that God doesn’t treat you as your mistakes deserve bring you relief today?