Bad movies are usually set up with a flawless hero and a super-bad anti-hero with no shred of conscience. This is a figment of our imagination. There is no such thing as one-dimensional people. People are many things, which is why it is not easy to judge them. I dare say that our judgement calls are mostly flawed.

All we can sometimes see are blurry lines while the Lord cuts through those gray zones like a skilled surgeon. Actions are not just exposed as they appear to be; its intentions are also laid bare. Sometimes bad things happen with good intentions. Sometimes good things are motivated by selfishness and deceit. Weighing one against the other, God’s mercies come into full fruition.

God is as merciful as He is justice-oriented. On one hand we have His brilliant mind, profound wisdom and impeccable discernment, and on the other hand His mercies bless us every morning. God gives sunshine and rain to the good and bad, which is something we tend to have a problem with.

God is love. This means that all of His actions, including His judgment calls, are motivated by love; His intentions towards us are always good; God does not judge us to condemn; He never forgets anything good we have done.

God’s love for us is not cheap but involves sacrifice. This may be the reason why He so highly appreciates the sacrifices we make to help someone in need. Whatever we do for other people is noted. God does not miss a beat. He sees us when we go the extra mile. When we give our best at work, if nobody else notices, God does. In the time of a crisis our love and sacrifices weigh even more. 

The Lord remembers us. He will not forget the love we have shown Him by being a good friend, a good neighbor, a good parent, a good sister and brother.