In God we find a judge who is not judgmental. He can discern the truth of a situation like no other because He sees the whole picture. In one of his letters the apostle John wrote (1 John 3:20):

“If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything”

Whether it’s popularity, good or bad reputation, our own history or even as trivial as our current mood – it all affects us in some way and impairs our judgment. God on the other hand sees through all these things and understands perfectly where we come from. Our God is merciful.

King David was keenly aware of God’s abounding mercies. In the later part of his reign he ordered a controversial nationwide census that was clearly uncalled for and stirred up unrest in the country. It was a telltale sign that he had become less interested in God’s protection and started to behave like other kings who censored the population to determine the size of their army. After completion of the census the Lord sent Prophet Gad to the palace to challenge David with three distinct choices (2 Samuel 24:13-14):

“So Gad went to David and said to him, ‘Shall there come on you three years of famine in your land? Or three months of fleeing from your enemies while they pursue you? Or three days of plague in your land? Now then, think it over and decide how I should answer the one who sent me.’

David said to Gad, ‘I am in deep distress. Let us fall into the hands of the Lord, for his mercy is great; but do not let me fall into human hands.’”

David knew it was better to rely on God than on people for mercy, and he was right – although his assessment of the situation gives me pause. I believe God’s mercies serve as an inspiration to us all; especially His children are called to reflect the Lord and look at the world through the eyes of mercy.

God’s Son is full of mercy, and in Him we have an advocate in heaven fighting for us. All our regrets that we bring out in the open and confess to Him are in good hands. The Lord does not condemn us; He forgives and forgets; He is the reason why we have hope and don’t despair, regardless of what we have done and the collateral damage we may have caused along the way. In the last book of the Bible Jesus encourages us with these words (Revelation 21:5):

“He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’”

From a grammar standpoint, “I am making all things new” uses progressive tense which is appropriate because our renewal through Jesus Christ is progressive and ongoing. So let us not get discouraged when we seem far from perfection. We are a work in progress until the day we pass.