“The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works.“—Psalm 145:9
Thomas Hooker, the English preacher who came to the new world and founded the state of Connecticut, lay dying. Gathered around him were well-meaning people who sought to comfort him. “You are going to your rest,” they said. The old preacher turned and responded, “I go to receive mercy.”
Mercy is its own reward.
Heaven would be far away and unreachable if we were held accountable for our sins. But God is good to us. He gives us love, joy, and forgiveness. His Holy Spirit comforts us. He grants us abundant lives of adventure, discovery, and faith. He gives us prophecy to understand the future and prayer as a source of power. He loves us as His cherished children. He gives us eternal life.
Like a fragrant flower adorning a gift, like the caring touch of a loved one, like the gentle assurance of a father to a child, this quality of love graces all of God’s good works.
Mercy, tender mercy.
Undeserved favor from God. Nothing we can do will earn it. We can only receive it.
The Bible says of Jesus, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become the children of God” (John 1:12).
Receive Him. Accept His love. Then you will know what it means to live under the protective arm of God’s tender mercy.
