In January I went to see the new futuristic-whodunit film Mercy starring Chris Pratt. The premise (with no spoilers) is that an LA cop must prove he didn’t murder his wife, within 90 minutes, to an AI ‘judge’ before he is automatically executed. In this ‘cutting-edge’ program he once championed, he stands guilty until proven innocent (that’s not a typo) and is considered not worth the time of a full jury and courtroom to process his case.

Unsurprisingly, the film held no substantial example or analogy for understanding God’s mercy toward us. Rather, it portrayed a jilted form of justice. The introduction of the movie included a line stating that “the future of justice is MERCY” but it meant only the name of the AI program and not true mercy. So I figured the film gave a great nudge to reflect on how amazing God’s mercy for us truly is!

Mercy is defined as “compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one’s power to punish or harm”. That means mercy can only be given by someone in a position of power to someone inferior or subordinate. In church settings we often use the words grace and mercy together, which I think can make us miss the punch of God’s mercy… Yes, God has lavished amazing grace on us! He shows us free and unmerited favor and He grants countless blessings on those who trust in Jesus by faith and are saved. He also pours blessings on the unbelievers, as He cares for and sustains all of creation. 

In His grace, he has mercy on all who call on the name of Jesus. Why? Because you and I really do not deserve salvation. I, a poor miserable sinner, deserve the punishment and damnation that Christ took upon Himself on the cross, paid for with His death, and defeated with His triumphal resurrection. As a teenager, if I were to call my dad’s decisions unfair, he would reply ‘life’s not fair, and thank God for that!’. His point was that it wasn’t ‘fair’ for Christ to suffer and die for my sins and yours. But thank God for such a gracious plan of salvation!

It is mercy when God doesn’t ‘get even’ or use ‘karma’ to respond to our mistakes. It is God’s mercy which withholds ‘fair’ punishment. It is His justice and grace which leads Him to accept Jesus’ full payment on behalf of our sins. 

Without Christ, true justice would be sinners getting what they have earned. Thankfully, that’s not what we receive. Praise be to God that He is merciful by not seeking retribution for our missteps, and is overflowing with grace by granting countless blessings and sending Jesus to be our Savior!